PSN-YPG Engages Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) on Pressing Industry Challenges

L-R( Rapha Tachio- PSN YPG National Vice Chairman, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed- PCN Registrar, Pharm. (Mrs.) Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa- PCN Governing Council Chairman, Tekena George- PSN-YPG National Chairman, PCN staff and Members of PSN-YPG Abuja). A delegation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria – Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG), led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Tekena George, met with the leadership of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to discuss key challenges affecting young pharmacists and propose actionable solutions. The delegation was received by the Chairman of the PCN Governing Council, Pharm. (Mrs.) Hajiya Wosilat O. Giwa, the Registrar, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, and other senior officials at the PCN headquarters. During the meeting, PSN-YPG highlighted several critical concerns, including: Centralized Internship Placement: Advocacy for a standardized system to streamline internship placements and eliminate longstanding bottlenecks. Expansion of Internship Centers: A call for the accreditation of additional community pharmacies and tertiary institutions to shorten the waiting period between internship and national service. Increased PEP Exam Centers: A proposal to establish more centers for the Pharmacy Examination Programme (PEP) to reduce logistical and financial burdens on candidates. Review of Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Fees: An appeal for a reassessment of fees to ease financial pressures on returning graduates. Young Pharmacists in Regulatory Roles: A request for the engagement of young pharmacists as volunteers or employees to assist in regulatory enforcement, particularly in tackling the proliferation of unregistered pharmaceutical premises. Creation of a PSN-YPG Desk Office: A recommendation to establish a dedicated office at the PCN headquarters to facilitate communication and streamline processes related to registration and regulatory examinations.