PCN Pledges Full Support to DASH Akwanga, Emphasizes Regulatory Compliance and Quality Pharmaceutical Services

By Titus Mangut 

In a significant move to bolster healthcare delivery in Nasarawa State, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has pledged its firm support to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Akwanga. The assurance was given during a familiarization visit by the Council's state team to the hospital's temporary site.

Pharmacist Nwora Okpalaeke Ben, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of the PCN, who represented the PCN Registrar, stated that they will support DASH to ensure the seamless delivery of quality healthcare. He emphasized that pharmacy remains a critical component of the health system, adding that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) cannot be truly achieved without robust pharmaceutical services.

"Pharmacy's role is quite significant. We cannot isolate quality healthcare service from quality pharmaceutical services," Pharmacist Nwora asserted. He stressed that success depends not on what one takes from the system, but on what one contributes to make it work effectively. Highlighting the synergy required in medical practice, he noted that doctors prescribe while pharmacists dispense, underscoring that this collaboration is the only way the healthcare system can function optimally.

The PCN coordinator assured the hospital of a 100% support system through the sharing of relevant information and insights, going beyond mere regulatory compliance. "You can actually fulfill regulatory requirements without achieving success. We must be committed to whoever we are in the system because the ultimate concern is the patient," he said. While clarifying that the law must be strictly adhered to, Pharmacist Nwora promised that the Council would clearly spell out all regulatory processes and guidelines.

Beyond regulation, the PCN pledged to advocate on behalf of the facility by writing to the government regarding existing gaps and challenges within the system. He encouraged the hospital's management to report any pharmacists engaging in unprofessional conduct, as the discipline of pharmacists falls strictly under the PCN's purview. "We bring to you a hand of support and friendship to ensure that the citizens of the state can ultimately access the care this facility is meant to provide," he added.

Regarding legal compliance, Pharmacist Nwora stressed that any facility with a pharmacy department must be accredited and licensed by the PCN a non-negotiable statutory requirement. He noted that while the predecessor facility was a general hospital, DASH is now a specialist facility, necessitating a fresh licensing process. He highlighted that this upgrade provides the hospital with an advantage, unlocking access to grants and research opportunities.

As part of the presidential initiative on health sector reform, the PCN is actively building the capacity of tertiary health facilities in drug production and compounding. "We can talk about universal health coverage if the cost of drugs are out of reach of the common man," he remarked. To further strengthen the institution, the Council also offered to liaise with DASH to introduce formal pharmacy training programs at the facility. Pharmacist Nwora expressed confidence in the hospital's leadership, commending the Head of Department (HOD) of Pharmacy for his demonstrated capacity.

In his response, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of DASH Akwanga, Dr. Esala E. Abene, expressed profound delight at the visit, stating that he had taken meticulous note of all the contributions made.

Dr. Abene noted that despite the hospital being only six months old, the pharmacy department stood out during his initial tour of the facility. "The only department that impressed me is the pharmacy department. I am impressed with what the HOD is doing," he said.

Acknowledging the advice received, the CMD affirmed the hospital's openness to guidance and its commitment to meeting all accreditation needs. However, he candidly addressed the constraints of space at the temporary site, revealing that he has directed his staff to think outside the box to effectively manage the limited space. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming permanent site will provide ample room for optimal operations.

Dr. Abene thanked the PCN for the initiatives presented and pledged the hospital's full willingness to cooperate in order to maximize the benefits for the people of Nasarawa State.