Propose amendment to pharmacy laws, Speaker tells PSN

...Charge them for greater innovation

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has been urged to work towards putting the country on the map with more innovation by taking advantage of the ongoing Constitution review process to propose amendments to laws governing the practice of the profession.

Making the call weekend, was the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara when the PSN National President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Dogara, who expressed delight with the visit of the PSN delegates and pledged to contribute towards the development of pharmacy profession in the country, stated: “I was also informed of my nomination to the hall of fame and this, I accepted. I feel deeply honoured by the consideration and hope to contribute to the development of the Pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria.”

Responding, Yakasai appealed to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara to pay special attention to the review of pharmacy laws and regulations which will soon be presented to the lower chamber for passage into law.

L-R: Speaker House of Representative, Mr. Yakubu Dogara; President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Yakasai; and immediate Past President PSN, Mr Olumide Akintayo during PSN Visit to the Speaker in Abuja... on Thursday Photo Olatunji Obasa

The PSN boss stressed that the review of pharmacy laws and regulations will strengthen the regulatory agencies in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), thereby making it more effective.

Yakasai who announced that PSN has established a forum for eminent citizens known as “Friends of Pharmacy” as a way of improving networking agenda of the society, formally informed the Speaker that he has being enlisted by the society into the prestigious forum.

The PSN boss further said that the professional association gives cognisance to the enhancement of the image of the profession and practitioners and advice on labour conditions relating to members.

While commending members of lower legislative chamber for the passage of the National Health Act, previous year, Yakasai pledged to continue partnering with Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to ensure that the Act is effectively operationalized.

PSN as the umbrella professional association of all registered pharmacists in the country partners with the government to promote development of sound and effective health policies and promotes legislation for the enhancement of citizens’ health, he restated.

“The PSN is also working very closely with the regulatory agencies, FMOH and key stakeholders in Pharmaceutical Sector to reverse the chaotic uncoordinated Drug Distribution System in Nigeria through the implementation of National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG) issued by the FMOH with the aim of eliminating the incidences of fake and counterfeit medicines in Nigeria.

“Ultimately, the Open Drug Markets would be closed down. The current Executives of the PSN which I lead came on board at the recently concluded 89th National Conference of the Society tagged “Unity 2015” which took place in Abuja in November 2015,” he said.

Discussing his vision for the society, Yakasai said he is committed to provide collaborative, participatory, responsive and transparent leadership, adding that his primary objectives is to engage in wider advocacies nationally and internationally in order to promote the ideals of PSN.

Yakasai seized the platform to invite the Speaker to be the special guest of honour at the forthcoming inauguration of his office in a handover ceremony which will take place February 18, 2016 at Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

According to him, the investiture of the new fellows of the society will also take place during this ceremony.

“I want to humbly use this opportunity to solicit the Speaker to be our special guest of honour during this prestigious occasion,” he said.

Congratulating the Speaker on his victory in the last election as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the eighth National Assembly, the PSN Pesident said: “I am here today with my colleagues on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the umbrella Professional Association of all registered Pharmacists in Nigeria to congratulate the Speaker on your election as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the eighth National Assembly.

As representatives of the people, the Constitution has vested enormous roles and responsibilities on the members which included among others, the powers to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation.”

According to Yakasai: “ The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria is the oldest Health Professional Association in Nigeria (founded in 1927) and was established with the aims, objectives of maintaining professional ethics and discipline among its members, thereby promoting quality pharmaceutical service delivery for the nation.


This story was published in Newswatch Times on February 4, 2016.

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