The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed arrangement with Medipool Nigeria Limited for the procurement and distribution of medicines to public health facilities.
The society warned that placing extensive pharmaceutical supply-chain responsibilities under a private company could weaken regulatory oversight and create challenges for medicine safety.
PSN President Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko expressed the concerns during the opening ceremony of the society’s 99th Annual National Conference in Awka, Anambra State.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had previously formalised a service-level agreement with Medipool to strengthen coordination in medicine procurement and distribution.
Pharmacists Question Procurement Framework
Tanko acknowledged that the proposed National Group Purchasing Organisation was intended to reduce medicine costs, prevent shortages, promote transparent procurement and support local manufacturers.
However, he argued that the arrangement required stronger safeguards to ensure compliance with existing pharmaceutical and public procurement regulations.
The PSN identified the Public Procurement Act 2007, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022 and National Health Act 2014 among the laws relevant to the proposed structure.
It also expressed concern about the handling of controlled medicines and the need to preserve the oversight responsibilities of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The society maintained that medicines required stricter quality controls than ordinary commercial products because of their implications for public health and safety.
PSN Proposes Alternative Drug Supply Model
The pharmacists’ association called on the Federal Government to accelerate legislation establishing a Federal Drug Revolving Fund and Drug Management Agency.
According to the PSN, the proposed public agency could coordinate medicine procurement and distribution while maintaining government accountability.
The society suggested that Medipool’s participation, if retained, could focus on competitively selected price negotiations and supply arrangements rather than exclusive control of the distribution system.
It also called for medicines to remain under appropriate pharmaceutical supervision throughout procurement, storage and dispensing.
The PSN emphasised that it was not opposed to centralised purchasing itself but wanted a structure that complied with existing laws and protected medicine quality.
The concerns raise wider questions about balancing affordable drug procurement with regulatory accountability as Nigeria seeks to improve access to essential medicines.
A response from the Federal Ministry of Health and Medipool would be important in establishing how the arrangement addresses the society’s objections.
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