The Kwara State government has said its socio-economic transformation of the state will not be complete without prioritising the health sector for the citizenry.

The Governor and the Grand Patron of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Pharmacy Week in Ilorin.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, said the theme of the occasion, 'Medicine security in an emerging economy, we are all involved,’ explains why his administration employed a holistic approach to tackling health sector challenges.

He further said its approach and policy thrust had favoured collaboration, especially in healthcare, where teamwork counts.

“Undoubtedly, the medical practitioners will have to make an appropriate diagnosis supported by validated laboratory test results, and your members (Pharmacists) will have to be on the ground to provide appropriately prescribed medication to the patients and maintain their necessary vigilance in conjunction with the nurses, to ensure there are no unwarranted reactions to the medications. We appreciate all you do as a team to keep Kwarans well.”

“Your role and impact as a well-coordinated team in checking unwholesome practices, drug and substance abuse, fake drugs, logistic management coordination, conventional sales, promotion and dispensing of pharmaceuticals whether as public officers or in a private or corporate capacity and many more ways that you have been contributing to the development of Kwara as a whole is well appreciated,” he added.

Governor AbdulRazaq recalled that his administration had reviewed the salaries of health workers, including pharmacists. He said the recent appointment of another member of PSN as the Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board calls for more responsibility as a team to ensure mutual success.

The Governor encouraged the pharmacists to sustain the culture of adherence to global best practices, compliance to work and professional ethics for which they are known.

Earlier in his remarks, the President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Usifoh said if adequate support is given to pharmaceutical companies in Kwara, they will be able to provide the appropriate types of medicine. He appealed to policymakers not to compromise in creating an enabling environment for them to compete globally.

Modupe Joel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
October 25, 2022