Gov. Bago, Niger State
By Stephen Ojo
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State to expedite the employment of medical and health workers and that inadequate manpower has been hampering the efficient delivery of health services to the people.
The Niger State Chairman of PCN, Pharmacist Yakubu Maji Isah made this call while speaking with journalists while marking this year’s, 2024, celebration of Pharmacists’ Day in Minna on Wednesday.
“PCN is aware that the state government has conducted interviews for the recruitment of Pharmacists and others in the health sector like doctors, nurses and health technologists. We are therefore appealing to the Governor to expedite action in ensuring that those who are found worthy to be the ambassadors of the state in the health sector are offered employment”, he said.
According to him, the problem of inadequate and shortage of Pharmacists in the state health facilities has been of great concern to the PSN, adding that, ” our few members who are working in these health facilities are overwhelmed with workload which can lead to decrease in productivity”.
The Chairman also expressed dismay over the activities of quacks and those selling drugs along the streets in Minna and other major cities of the state, advising that people should stop patronising them because what they sell as drugs are actually poison.
He said, “I am appealing to the people to stop patronising these hawkers. You can see them everywhere in the motor parks, markets selling all sorts of drugs. Most of these drugs have already expired. They are poison, no more drugs and most people who take these poison as drugs come up with multiple health challenges. So I urge us to patronise Pharmacists and other recognised medical/ health professionals instead of going to the quacks “.
Isah explained that the Annual General Meeting of the Niger State PSN has also been scheduled to coincide with the Pharmacists Day during which a new leadership will emerge, adding that, “the incoming leadership will continue to partner with the NDLEA to eradicate quackery and drug abuse/ addiction among youths in the state.