A new wave of professional tension is brewing in Nigeria’s healthcare sector as pharmacists under the aegis of the West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) have strongly criticised the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over its recent opposition to the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre.

A statement, signed by Chairman of WAPCP Nigeria Chapter, Dr. Margaret Obono, described NMA’s posture as hostile, combative and retrogressive, accusing the doctors’ union of clinging to a hierarchical structure that undermines collaborative healthcare delivery.

According to Dr. Obono, NMA’s communique, published on May 8 in The Guardian, amounted to an attack on government-approved policy reforms, particularly the National Council on Establishment’s (NCE) directive backing the consultant cadre for pharmacists.

“This is not just an affront to pharmacists; it’s a direct challenge to the Nigerian government and its institutions. Who is the employer, the government or NMA?” he asked.

The controversy stems from NMA’s objection to two Federal hospitals implementing the consultant pharmacist cadre, warning hospital CMDs against further action.

Obono further highlighted that consultant pharmacists are already integral to advanced healthcare systems in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. She argued that their role significantly improves patient outcomes through advanced medication management and therapeutic oversight.

The pharmacists’ body accused NMA and its affiliate, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), of prioritising titles and money over patient safety and system development. “This is professional ego at its worst,” she noted.

She cited past court rulings affirming the autonomy of health professions, referencing the National Industrial Court judgment, which stated no one profession should dictate the growth of another.

Obono also drew attention to international examples where non-physicians lead health ministries and institutions. “In countries with top-ranking healthcare systems, physicians are not the gatekeepers to every leadership role,” she said.

“Consultant pharmacists are not competitors. They are collaborators. Let’s drop ego and focus on saving lives,” she concluded.