Pharmacists Demand Immediate Implementation of CONHESS

Pharmacists under the umbrella of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) have demanded for immediate implementation of the Pharmacists Consultant Cadre on CONHESS 13-15 in Federal Tertiary Hospitals as approved by the federal government since September 2023.

The National Chairman of AHAPN, Olabode Ogunjemiyo, who expressed his disappointment at the non-compliance of the directives by the relevant agencies, despite approval by the Federal Civil Service Commission, appealed for expedited action on the matter to ensure that no profession is shortchanged in the health sector.

In a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom; Ogunjemiyo commended her efforts in ensuring that the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre and harmonisation of call duty allowance for pharmacists with the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree becomes a reality, but appealed for the implementation of the government approval as contained in the circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with reference number C5516/Vol.11/289 and dated 14th September, 2023.

Ogunjemiyo, referred to the circular to all CMDs and MDs of all Federal Tertiary Hospitals, which directed the “immediate implementation of Pharmacists Consultant Cadre with strict adherence to the clarification/guidelines provided by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in circular Ref. No. HCSF/SPSO/DD/E&WP/64508 of 9th June, 2021 to ensure uniform implementation.’’

AHAPN, which is the technical arm of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), an umbrella body of pharmacists practicing the profession in the hospitals, regulatory and administrative sectors in Nigeria, also demanded for the release of the establishment positions for the conversion of the relevant officers in accordance with government directive.

“In a related development, a circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with reference number DHS/1039/1/55 and dated 10th October, 2023 requesting for issuance of approved establishment positions for Consultant Pharmacist Cadre in Federal Tertiary Institutions by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSOF),’’ Ogunjemiyo disclosed.  

According to him, the release of the approved establishment positions for each of the Federal Tertiary Institution is necessary for compliance and seamless operation of the circular.

“The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSOF) should also direct the creation of the specialist allowance on the IPPIS platform for access by the various Federal Health Institutions across the nation.’’

Speaking on the four per cent Call Duty Allowance for Pharm D Holders as approved according to the circular from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with reference number DHS/419/S.2/T/74 and dated 19th October, 2023; Ogunjemiyo expressed his delight that the directive for the harmonisation of call duty allowance and other related allowances for pharmacists with Doctor of Pharmacy Degree with that of Doctor of Optometry would be a reality.

He said the implementation of the directive would enable pharmacists to enjoy the remunerations as approved by the federal government.