Oreoluwa Akinwande 
…demands changes
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised serious concerns about the recently released National Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which is intended to regulate drug procurement and management in health facilities.
This document has sparked significant controversy among pharmacy professionals, who argue that it undermines their essential role in the healthcare system.
In a letter formally addressed to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, on September 16 the ACPN, through its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, highlighted critical issues with the leadership structure outlined in the SOP.
The document specifies that the DRF committees at the Federal level will be chaired by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (C-MAC), a position reserved for physicians.
This decision has been interpreted as a blatant disregard for the expertise of pharmacists, effectively sidelining them from key roles in drug management.
Given these pressing concerns, the ACPN has called for an immediate suspension of the implementation of the DRF SOP. They urge the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) to reconsider the leadership structure of the DRF committees, advocating for the inclusion of pharmacists in critical roles to ensure compliance with existing laws.
Moreover, the ACPN is lobbying for legislative support to establish a professional and public-oriented statute governing DRF operations in all public health institutions.
“The health of Nigerians depends on the expertise of pharmacists,” Ezeh asserted. “It is imperative that the Federal Ministry of Health supports initiatives aimed at reinforcing the role of pharmacists in drug management.”
The ACPN’s position reflects broader concerns about the future of drug management in Nigeria. As the healthcare sector grapples with issues of governance and accountability, the decisions made by the FMOH&SW regarding the DRF will likely have lasting implications.
The ACPN is determined to ensure that pharmacists are included in discussions and empowered to take on leadership roles in drug management. The ACPN urges the Federal Ministry of Health to take their concerns seriously and act swiftly to address the fundamental issues highlighted in their memo.
The association remains committed to advocating for the rule of law and ensuring that the healthcare system in Nigeria operates equitably, transparently, and grounded in professional expertise.
As the situation unfolds, the ACPN stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue with the government to shape a better future for pharmacy practice in Nigeria. “The current SOP is a clear breach of the law,” stated Ezeh.
“Pharmacists are the primary professionals trained and licensed to handle drugs, and this document effectively sidelines them from critical drug management roles.”
His comments reflect widespread concern among pharmacists about allowing non-pharmacists to oversee drug-related matters, especially in Local Government Areas (LGAs) where the head of the DRF Committee will also serve as the head of the health facility.
