By Uzo Ugwunze
Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria have called for stronger collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to combat quackery, curb counterfeit medicines and improve pharmaceutical service delivery across the country.
The National President of the Reformed Forum of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria (RFPTN), Pharm. Tech. Shagba Humphrey T., made the call while addressing participants at the 99th PSN Annual National Conference, IJELÉ ’26, holding in Awka, Anambra State, from Nov. 2 to 7.
Shagba described the occasion as the first official appearance and address by Pharmacy Technicians at the PSN national conference, commending the PSN President, Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, for promoting professional inclusiveness and cooperation.
He, however, expressed concern over the career stagnation of Pharmacy Technicians, noting that many spend 30 to 35 years in service without opportunities to advance beyond their National Diploma qualifications.
He called on the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to establish clear educational and professional progression pathways for the cadre.
On drug safety, Shagba raised concerns about the involvement of unqualified persons in medicine sales and dispensing, stressing the need for stronger regulatory enforcement to protect the public from unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
He advocated the inclusion of certified Pharmacy Technicians in PCN inspection and enforcement teams, their deployment to Primary Healthcare Centres and greater involvement in medicine supply chain monitoring and the fight against counterfeit drugs.
He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to professional ethics, competence and discipline, noting that Pharmacy Technicians have important roles to play in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
Earlier, the PSN President, Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, said the conference theme, “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice and Policy for National Impact,” underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing interconnected human, animal and environmental health challenges.
Ayuba highlighted the need for postgraduate training, clinical collaboration and recognition of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre to improve professional capacity and patient care.
He called for the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines and completion of Coordinated Wholesale Centres to tackle counterfeit and substandard medicines.
The PSN president further urged stronger partnerships among government, academia and industry as the Society prepares for its centenary celebration in 2027.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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