Lagos HSC Meets Heads Of Pharmacy Departments To Address Workforce Challenges
Lagos State Health Service Commission Holds Meeting with Pharmacy Leaders
LAGOS—On Sunday, the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC) convened a meeting with heads of pharmacy departments from the state’s 29 general hospitals to address challenges in service delivery and discuss strategies for enhancing healthcare performance. The session took place in the HSC’s Conference Room.
The meeting provided an opportunity for pharmacists to present their concerns and seek guidance from newly appointed Commission members. Dr. Olukayode Oguntimehin, Chairman of the Health Service Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals.
“We have to work as a unit and as a team with other professionals; without this, we cannot provide adequate patient care,” Oguntimehin explained.
He urged pharmacists to expand their roles beyond dispensing medications, calling for innovation and professionalism within the profession. “Move away from just dispensing drugs, and be more innovative and vibrant, ensuring that others recognize us as the true Center of Excellence,” he said.
Oguntimehin reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Lagos State, stating, “By the end of our tenure, we aim to have established a pathway for effective functioning.”
Commissioner III, Dr. (Pharm.) Moyosore Wuraola Adejumo, a representative of pharmacists on the Commission, advocated for reforms to restore best practices and enhance working conditions within the profession. She urged the Commission to implement measures that ensure operations run smoothly.
Pharmacists at the meeting raised several operational challenges, including personnel shortages, fee-paying arrangements, dedicated accounts, training opportunities, and inadequate workspace. Concerns regarding poor working conditions and staff welfare were also discussed.
In response to the issues raised, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Modupe Bakare, was tasked with preparing an annual needs assessment for pharmacists and developing a standardized orientation program for newly hired staff. Additionally, initiatives to improve public awareness of the Commission’s activities were recommended.
Other Commission members in attendance included Commissioner I, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Commissioner II, Dr. ‘Laja Odunuga; and Commissioner IV, Dr. (Nurse) Ololade Omolayo Fadipe. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Omololu, was represented by Director of Medical Services, Dr. Olawale Adegbite.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of gifts to Commission members and the Permanent Secretary’s representative.
