According to Olabode Ogunjemiyo, national chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, the brain drain in the healthcare industry is a result of subpar service conditions.
Over 200 pharmacists have departed the country for other shores between January and July 2022, he noted, in quest of “greener pastures.”
At a press conference for the association’s 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference, titled “Covid 19 Experience: Expanding The Role of Health System Pharmacists,” Ogunjemiyo made this announcement on Monday in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
He said, “Poor condition of service is the reason for brain drain in the health sector. Since the year began, over 200 pharmacists have left the country in search for greener pastures.
“And in order to check the trend, the federal and state governments need to set aside substantial resources to upgrade all our health centres and improve on our welfare packages.”
Over 1000 pharmacists from across the nation are expected to attend the conference, which ran from August 1 to August 5.
The conference, he continued, strives to, among other things, bring members together, offer a forum for discussion of practical concerns, and teach attendees the most recent advancements in medical and administrative practice.
A walk against drug misuse, a health outreach for state citizens, and a courtesy call on dignitaries in the state would all take place at the conference at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, according to him.
“This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility carried out regularly and during conferences of this magnitude. It is meant to complement the efforts of the Nasarawa state government in improving the health of its citizens.
“About 1000 residents are expected to benefit from the medical outreach and they will enjoy pharmaceutical care, free of charge.
“Ailments like Malaria, High Blood Pressure, Blood glucose, Height and Weight check, are some of the issues to be looked into. They will also get free consultation and counseling,” the AHAPN National Chairman added.
