By Daniel Edu
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Usifoh, has raised alarm over the mass exodus of pharmacists from Nigeria. In the past two years, more than 7,000 pharmacists have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad, according to Professor Usifoh. Speaking in Gombe, he highlighted the serious issue of brain drain within Nigeria’s healthcare sector and called for urgent measures to address the situation.
Professor Usifoh emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for pharmacists to practice within the country. He urged the government to take immediate action to reverse this trend and encourage pharmacists to stay and contribute to Nigeria’s development. He stressed that retaining pharmacists requires offering attractive conditions and opportunities within the nation.
“We must make staying an attractive choice. The government should facilitate an enabling environment to retain and attract pharmacists back to Nigeria. We are committed to staying and contributing to our nation,” Professor Usifoh asserted.
As part of their commitment, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria is actively working to enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in healthcare and improve the overall health sector. Professor Usifoh highlighted the ongoing 96th annual conference of the PSN in Gombe State, which provides a platform to assess past achievements and strategize on ways to strengthen the healthcare sector. He also mentioned potential collaborations with the Gombe State government to tap into opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry in the state.
