…set for inauguration as 20th PSN President
Coming with his industry experience in the pharmaceutical sector to reposition the nation’s pharmacy profession, a renowned pharmacist and former Chief Executive of Pfizer, Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has rolled out plans to boost local drug production in the country as he assumes office as the 20th President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
Rolling out his seven-point agenda as he steers the ship of PSN in the next three years, Ohuabunwa, who also served as President/CEO of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, said he would use his wealth of experience to ensure that PSN, with over 15,000 registered members, played a crucial role in improving local drug production through robust engagement with key industry players and government.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos recently, Ohuabunwa noted that his mission to PSN was to increase the intensity of light of the notable professional body, and ensure that the light of the pharmacy profession and the pharmacists themselves, “shines brighter in order to improve the country’s poor health indices that had for long remained worrisome.”
Harping on the need to drum support for local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and active ingredients, the PSN President, said, “We can all agree that our country will fare better if we take control of drugs and medicines as it is done in civilized climes of the world. In all sincerity, we cannot discuss pharmacy without talking about drug production because that is foundational to our work. I am, therefore, ready to improve our local drug production.
“Since my background is industry, my team shall be working largely with the industry as well as with Government to ensure local production improves tremendously.”
Ohuabunwa, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and also a former Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, will on January 24, 2019, be inaugurated as the 20th President of the PSN in Abuja.
The inauguration, which will be attended by notable Nigerians, including Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Anambra state and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Peter Obi, among others, will witness the investiture of some deserving pharmacists into the Fellowship of PSN.
Besides boosting local drug production, Ohuabunwa in his seven-point agenda, promised to provide a framework towards improved healthcare outcome in the health facilities and the country at large.
He also pledged to ensure the proper integration of pharmaceutical care in all aspects of pharmaceutical services in Nigeria and also facilitate the smooth take off of the National Drug Distribution Guideline in order to reduce cases of fake and counterfeit medicines.
Additionally, the PSN boss said he would promote equity and fair play, team work and proper remuneration of pharmacists in the public and private sector.
Also on his list, is the Pharmacy Law, which, he said, his leadership would advocate to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari signs it into law.
Another area of interest to the new PSN leader is the welfare of young pharmacists, assuring that under his tenure, internship placement for new pharmacists would be accorded a priority.
In his remarks, Chairman of the inauguration and investiture Committee, Pharm. Okey Akpa, said government must show, in words and action, that it was ready to support local drug production, by putting the right incentives and environment in place.
Giving further insight into the inauguration, Akpa, who is currently the Chairman, PMG- MAN, said Prof. Anya O. Anya, would deliver the keynote address while Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State would be the Host Governor.
The event, he also said, would be chaired by a renowned pharmacist and a former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi while Prof. Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, would be the chief host.
