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KAZEEM AWOJOODU, IBADAN
The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has issued a sweeping rebuttal to a petition filed by the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), describing the document as “unacademic, contradictory, and driven by fear rather than evidence.”
In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Maureen Nwafor, and National Secretary, Dr. Abdul Muminu Isah, CPAN condemned NAMDA’s December 1, 2025 petition to the Head of the Service of the Federation, saying the attack on consultant cadres for pharmacists and nurses is built on rhetoric and misinformation.
Dr. Nwafor said CPAN was compelled to respond because NAMDA’s arguments recycle “long-disproven claims” that risk misleading policymakers and obstructing necessary reforms in Nigeria’s health system.
“A truly academic document is built on evidence, logical reasoning, and a review of existing literature. NAMDA’s petition fails on all fronts. It is riddled with contradictions, outdated thinking, and emotional blackmail,” she stated.
The Association faulted NAMDA’s claim that pharmacists and nurses lack clinical relevance, calling the assertion “scientifically baseless.” CPAN cited multiple Nigerian studies showing that pharmacist-led interventions improve treatment outcomes, strengthen adherence, reduce drug-related problems, and enhance patient safety across several disease areas including epilepsy, asthma/COPD, diabetes, mental health, and HIV care.
Dr. Nwafor noted that even pharmacy students have documented measurable clinical contributions during supervised rotations—a fact she said renders NAMDA’s position indefensible.
CPAN stressed that consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses are well-established in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where they contribute to improved outcomes, governance, and cost savings.
“Nigeria is not inventing anything new. We are simply aligning with global best practice. Opposition to consultant cadres is rooted in outdated thinking, not evidence,” Dr. Nwafor said.
Addressing the Head of Service of the Federation and the National Council on Establishments, CPAN urged policymakers to ignore petitions “built on fear rather than facts,” insisting that the consultant cadre reforms are essential for a stronger and more competitive health system.
The Association also reminded stakeholders that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 already provides the modern legal backing for these reforms, superseding the antiquated laws NAMDA relied upon.
CPAN called for unity within the health sector, warning that Nigeria’s health challenges are too significant to be undermined by inter-professional conflicts.
“Our patients deserve a 21st-century healthcare system built on cooperation, evidence, and respect for each cadre’s expertise. History will remember those who stood on the side of progress,” the statement concluded.
The Association reaffirmed its readiness to support the Federal Government in fully implementing consultant cadres for pharmacists and nurses, describing the reform as critical to achieving a modern, efficient, and globally comparable health system.
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