Pharmacists demand salary increase

Pharmacists across the country have solicited an increase in their salaries.

They made the demand during the observance of World Pharmacists’ Day in Lokoja on Sunday.

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Dr Lawal Mohammed, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (PSN), Kogi Chapter, made the call, observing that salaries increase would boost pharmacists’ output.

“Due to the economic hardship occasioned by the global economic recession, pharmacists are suffering over poor remuneration.

“In fact, there has been a mass exodus of pharmacists out of the country for greener pastures because of the meagre pay and poor welfare.

“The gap left behind had unfortunately given rise to quackery in the profession, thereby putting the lives of innocent people in danger,” he noted.

Mohammed explained that the Kogi Chapter of the society carefully chose this year’s theme — Pharmacy United in Action for a Healthier World — to underscore the importance of the day.

He said that the federal government had to do something urgent to address the plights of pharmacists in the country.

He expressed concern that in spite of the huge impact pharmacists were making in the health sector, “we are not being appreciated as our take-home pay is nothing to write home about.

“Many of our colleagues are jetting out of the country to look for greener pastures.

“We are using this medium to call on the government to look into the welfare of pharmacists across the country”.

Mohammed also called on the public, especially the youth in the country to desist from substance abuse and other vices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Pharmacists’ Day is celebrated annually on September 25, offering an opportunity for promoting the profession. (NAN)