AHAPN decries exclusion of pharmacists from FG’s 40% payrise

• Lists seven demands to halt mass exodus of pharmacists from Nigeria

The National Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) has expressed its displeasure at the Federal Government’s exclusion of pharmacists from the implementation of the recent increase in the pay of federal civil servants in the country, describing it as discriminatory and unacceptable.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had earlier disclosed that the Federal Government approved an increased pay for civil servants in the country to take effect from January 1, 2023. The pay rise referred to as peculiar allowance for civil servants was necessitated by the current economic reality to help government workers cushion the effects of rising inflation, the rising cost of living, and hikes in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariffs.

However, the body of pharmacists said across the country, they are yet to experience any increase in pay since 2010 despite its efforts and other health workers to seek for salary increments over the years with collective bargaining agreements reached in most cases.

In a statement yesterday, AHAPN National Chairman, Olabode Ogunjemiyo, made a seven-point demand to the Federal Government, which are: Inclusion without further delay in the 40 per cent pay rise and arrears be paid with immediate effect; immediate implementation of the Pharmacists Consultancy Cadre to relevant consultants; payment of relativity arrears for pharmacists outstanding since 2014; adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to meet up with current realities; implementation of Pharm. D entry point for Doctor of Pharmacists holders; implementation of the increased call duty allowance from 2-4% for Pharm. D holders; and recommencement of payment of DRF allowance to pharmacists and other operators of the Drug Revolving Funds Scheme.

According to Ogunjemiyo, all civil servants are subjected to the same economic realities of the present time. “We go to the same market, buy the same PMS and diesel, and pay the same school fees for our children. It is therefore discriminatory to exclude pharmacists from the 40 per cent pay rise.

“The pharmacists in the country are saddened with this development, especially now that there is a mass exodus of members to other nations for greener pastures and this development is not unconnected with the non-implementation of some of our demands.”