The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has fired back at the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) over allegations of undue dominance by medical doctors in the nation’s health and education sectors, describing the claims as “unsavoury blackmail” and “emotional rhetoric.”
NARD, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Osundara Tope, and Secretary-General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, called on the pharmacists’ body to cease what it termed a campaign of “blackmail” and instead focus on meaningful contributions to patient care and health system improvement.
The doctors’ response followed an open letter issued by the ACPN on June 16, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu.
The pharmacists had accused medical doctors of monopolising leadership roles in the health and education sectors—citing examples of strikes by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) over vice-chancellorship appointments in federal universities.
The ACPN, in the letter signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, warned that what it called the “incomprehensible dominance” of medical doctors was detrimental to national development.
It accused the Federal Government of encouraging a “culture of fascism” by consistently appointing doctors to lead the health and education ministries, as well as federal health institutions.
But NARD dismissed the pharmacists’ claims as baseless, warning that such narratives could destabilise the health sector.
“We are essential stakeholders in the healthcare system, just as the pharmacists are, and we will continue to voice our perspectives,” the doctors stated.
Reacting to ACPN’s use of terms like “culture of fascism” and “overpampered group of civil servants,” NARD said such language was “abhorrent and loathsome,” arguing that no group of civil servants—including doctors—should be maligned in that manner.
“There has been no incursion into other health professions by doctors,” NARD stated. “What we have seen instead are repeated revolts and repulsive utterances aimed at undermining doctors’ contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”
The doctors also cited multiple international studies to support the assertion that physician-led hospitals deliver better patient outcomes, with lower mortality rates and higher satisfaction among patients.
They challenged the pharmacists to focus on areas like safe medication advocacy, public health education, and controlled drug distribution—especially amid rising mental health and substance abuse issues among youths.
“If pharmacists want a leading role in hospitals, what essentially places them above Health Information Officers who possess similar degrees?” NARD queried.
“Doctors do not contest for leadership in pharmaceutical companies; the concern of the ACPN appears to be more about positions than about outcomes.”
NARD highlighted its various community outreach and health worker training initiatives, including its flagship programme—The Doctor’s Reach Out Programme (TDROP)—aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in underserved areas.
It urged the ACPN to devise similar innovative approaches to improve healthcare delivery rather than indulge in what it described as “professional envy.”
The doctors also reiterated their appeal to the Federal Government to settle their seven-month CONMESS arrears and implement consequential minimum wage adjustments before the end of June, warning that healthcare outcomes cannot improve if health workers’ welfare continues to be neglected.
“We trust your Renewed Hope Health Initiative, Mr. President, and we believe that joy is coming soon,” the statement concluded.
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