Cross River Government, PSN commit to strengthen Pharmaceutical services in the state

 The Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter held a  meeting at the instance of the Honourable Commissioner For Health at the Cross River State Ministry Of Health Office complex. 

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The meeting which was convened at the summon and behest of the commisioner featured intense discussions on key issues bothering on proferring possible ways to streamlining, coordinating the activities of the PSN, pmvs etc in the state whilst bolstering the partnership bond between both parties for effective results. 

Welcoming the delegation of stakeholders from The PSN CRS Chapter led by their president Pharm.Kenneth Essiene, Dr.Janet Ekpenyong stated that upon assumption of office  through her sectorial reviews and injections, she observed certain gaps and loose ends existing between the state and the PSN group, including the Pharmaceutical council of Nigeria which is not supposed to be so, hence the expediency for scheduling for an interface with the leadership of the group on ways forward.

Responding to the call for engagement, Pharm. Kenneth Essien ceased the opportunity to congratulate the commisioner on her appointment retorting that it is a deserved feat owing to her selfless services in the health sector over the years. 

He however stated several issues and problems hampering  the smooth synergy between the PSN and the CRSMOH observing the following 

The issues of menacing toxic operational environment by not licensed, untrained and quack self regulated vendors posing serious public health concerns and critical societal risks.

He also noted the low efficiency in human resource for health stating the low engagement of Pharmacists under the state employ which has led to inadequate personel in Pharmaceutical services resulting to engagements of unlicensed workers and officers across facilities in the State. 

Other issues raised for discussion were Regulations/Pharmaceutical  inspection committee Activities, Support from government for Pharmacy school to bridge existing human resource gaps as well as effective institutionalization and domestication of Drug Management Agencies  in the state and maintenance of it's legal administrative structures. 

Responding to all the issues mentioned Dr.Janet  Ekpenyong welcomed the team whilst stating it was expedient she hosted them in a bid to ensure all existing issues are duly streamlined.

She expressed her dissatisfaction with the way the council had existed in isolation for quite some time stating that the state government through the ministry of health should be deeply involved in  overseeing the activities of the council's operation in the state. 

She assured that the  Gov. Ben Ayade's led administration in her continous commitment to health will ensure swift and necessary response to the afforreraised issues noting that most of the issues already have remedies but due to the lack of synergy between the PSN and the government this issues are lingering. 

She harped on the importance of the PSN/PCN synergizing with the state to work amicably so as to achieve needed results as she brought the following issues to the notice of the council 

The ongoing engagement and recruitment of professionals into the state government employ as she urged the council to send names of persons to be considered, The existence of the State taskforce team to curb quackery, sales of illegal and fake drugs to ensure eradication of fake drugs from our society as well as the demand for partnership from the council to develop state Pharmaceutical service policies for Pharmaceutical operations in the state in line with extant laws of the federal government. 

In conclusion the honourable commisioner however noted that the Pharmaceutical Council Of Nigeria has an outstanding financial indebtedness owed the state government which must be duly reviewed and met by the council. 

Other very vital issues that were extensively discussed and deliberated upon were ;Pharmaceutical supply chain in Cross River State,Support for pharmacy school,Human resource for health with key emphasis on 

Domestication of Drug management Agency

,Upgrade of secondary health facilities as internship centres,Training and sponsorship of Pharmacists, Partnership and collaboration for ownership and sustainability among others.

However the critical outcomes  of the meeting included Immediate submission of Names for employment into the civil service,Immediate constitution of PIC and PPMV Committees, Institutionalization of state Pharmacy policy,Presentation of plaque and congratulatory message to Honourable the commissioner by Pharm.Kenneth Essiene led exco on her enviable heights, achievements and contributions to the health sector.

Kenneth Anam 

MOH,Calabar 

23rd,March 2023