Health Sector Crisis: CPAN Slams NAMDA For Unacademic, Fear-Driven Attack On Pharmacists & Nurses

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has issued a scathing, evidence-driven rebuttal to the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) over its December 1, 2025 petition to the Head of Service of the Federation, condemning the attack on the consultant cadres for pharmacists and nurses.

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that in a firm, unapologetic statement jointly signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Maureen Nwafor, and the National Secretary, Dr. AbdulMuminu Isah, CPAN described the NAMDA petition as unacademic, internally contradictory, and lacking the intellectual rigour expected of an academic association.

 

Dr. Nwafor stated that CPAN was compelled to respond because the petition not only recycles old arguments long disproven by evidence, but also misleads policymakers and undermines ongoing reforms that strengthen Nigerias health system.

 

Speaking in clear, uncompromising terms, Dr. Nwafor criticised the NAMDA document for its lack of scholarly structure, absence of citations, and reliance on fear-based rhetoric.

A truly academic document is built on evidence, logical reasoning, and a review of existing literature. NAMDAs petition fails on all fronts. It is riddled with contradictions, emotional blackmail, outdated references, and claims that collapse under the simplest academic scrutiny, she said.

She emphasised that NAMDA made scientifically baseless assertions by claiming pharmacists and nurses lack clinical relevance.

The weight of evidence — global and Nigerian — overwhelmingly affirms the clinical value of pharmacists and nurses across hospital, community, and specialised care environments. To call these cadres clinically irrelevant is not only false but academically irresponsible, she added.

The Association highlighted multiple Nigerian studies proving that pharmacist-led interventions reduce drug therapy problems, improve treatment outcomes, enhance adherence, prevent harm, and strengthen patient safety.

The statement referenced published works in epilepsy care, asthma/COPD management, diabetes control, antidepressant adherence, and HIV therapy — all demonstrating measurable clinical benefits.

Dr. Nwafor stressed that even pharmacy students have documented outcome-changing clinical contributions: When a professions trainees can measurably improve patient outcomes, any claim of that professions irrelevance collapses under its own weight.

CPAN emphasized that consultant pharmacists and consultant nurses are well-established in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where they contribute significantly to patient outcomes, governance, and cost savings.

Nigeria is not inventing anything new. We are simply aligning with global best practice. Opposition to consultant cadres is rooted in outdated thinking, not evidence, Dr. Nwafor noted.

Addressing the Head of the Service of the Federation and the National Council on Establishments, CPAN urged the government not to be swayed by documents built on fear rather than facts.

These reforms are necessary for a stronger, safer, and globally competitive health system. Collaboration, not territorial rivalry, is what will move Nigeria forward, the CPAN Chairman stated.

The Association also reminded stakeholders that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 already provides a modern legal framework that supersedes the outdated laws NAMDA relied upon.

CPAN concluded with a firm but constructive call for unity in the health sector: Nigerias health challenges are too big for inter-professional battles. We must evolve beyond archaic rivalries. Our patients deserve a 21st-century healthcare system built on cooperation, evidence, and respect for every cadres expertise, all directed toward delivering truly patient-centred, nationally focused care.”

CPAN therefore, calls on all stakeholders to rise above professional rivalry and embrace reforms that strengthen patient safety and healthcare efficiency. The Association reiterates its readiness to support the Federal Government in accelerating the full implementation of consultant cadres for pharmacists and nurses, insisting that this transformation is essential for a modern, globally competitive health system. History, CPAN notes, will remember those who stood on the side of progress.