The Association of Lady Pharmacists of Nigeria (ALPs) has expressed concern over the worsening brain drain in the health sector, the spread of fake drugs, poor healthcare infrastructure, and rising substance abuse, warning that the challenges are threatening healthcare delivery in the country.
Speaking ahead of the 17th Biennial Conference of ALPs scheduled to hold in Enugu from May 11 to 16, the National Chairman of the association, Pharm. Mnena Scholastica Lan, said the conference would focus on resilience among women and healthcare professionals amid Nigeria’s growing socio-economic and health challenges.
Lan lamented the increasing migration of pharmacists and other healthcare workers abroad, blaming poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and limited opportunities.
“The young graduates do not have patience for Nigeria anymore. They are frustrated by poor working conditions, poor remuneration, and lack of opportunities,” she said.
She noted that many experienced pharmacists, including former state leaders within the association, had also relocated abroad in search of better opportunities.
Lan also decried the poor state of healthcare infrastructure in public hospitals, stressing that lack of equipment continues to frustrate healthcare workers and worsen patient outcomes.
“There is no miracle healthcare personnel can perform without equipment. If we improve infrastructure and provide opportunities for specialization and training, the best healthcare services will be available,” she stated.
The ALPs chairman further raised concerns over fake and substandard drugs, describing the menace as a major threat to public health.
“Fake drugs are an insider problem. Nigerians are behind it. People knowingly produce fake medicines because of greed,” she said, while warning against buying medicines from roadside hawkers.
On substance abuse, Lan described the situation among youths as alarming, attributing it to frustration, unemployment, and idleness.
“Drug abuse has become a plague. Young people are idle, frustrated, and vulnerable,” she added.
Speaking on maternal mortality, she identified delays in seeking medical care as a major cause of deaths among pregnant women.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dr. Titilayo Onedo, said the conference would also address artificial intelligence in healthcare, emotional well-being, and financial sustainability for women professionals.
