The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Lagos State Government to expedite the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre to address the ongoing health workers’ strike.
The PSN emphasised that this measure is essential to prevent the strike from escalating further. Health workers in Lagos recently embarked on a warning strike to protest delays in implementing adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The strike is being spearheaded by unions such as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).
The PSN called on the Lagos State Government to issue a circular establishing the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre, similar to steps already taken at the federal level and in other southwest states. The Society expressed optimism that swift action by the government could help avoid a prolonged crisis in the health sector.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos State Head of Service, the PSN Lagos Chairman, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle, highlighted the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre as a critical demand that had been previously agreed upon with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before his election. The letter criticized the persistent delays in issuing a formal circular to establish the cadre, alleging that senior physicians in Lagos State’s health system were obstructing its implementation.
The PSN also raised concerns about discrimination against pharmacists in Lagos, contrasting this with the adoption of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre in other states and federal institutions. It described the lack of progress in Lagos as a disheartening setback for the profession.
Unfulfilled Promises by the State Government
The PSN further outlined other unresolved commitments made by the Lagos State Government in previous negotiations. These include the domestication of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre, implementation of call duty allowances for Dental Technologists and Therapists, and full implementation of CONHESS in line with a recently approved federal circular on peculiar allowances.
In addition to this, the government had pledged to enhance call, shift, and non-clinical duty allowances, as well as to issue a circular formally recognising the Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services. Despite these promises, which were made over a year ago, none have been fulfilled, the Society lamented.
The PSN reiterated that the government’s failure to meet these obligations has contributed to dissatisfaction among health workers, fueling the ongoing industrial action. The Society maintained that fulfilling these promises would not only resolve the strike but also enhance the overall efficiency of the state’s health sector.
In its appeal, the PSN urged the Lagos State Government to prioritise the health sector by addressing the concerns of pharmacists and other health workers. It also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing effective healthcare practices and fostering collaboration for the benefit of Lagos residents.
The Society expressed hope that the government would act promptly to restore harmony and prevent further disruptions in the health system.
