Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) don accuse Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) of violating existing laws after ministry sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medipool, private company, to run centralised drug procurement system for Nigeria health sector.
For press statement wey National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose and National Secretary, Pharm. Omokhafe Ashore sign, ACPN describe the agreement as clear violation of Public Procurement Act 2007, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act 2022 and National Health Act 2014.
Law No Fit Bend
According to the Ministry, Medipool arrangement go streamline drug procurement, ensure competitive pricing and steady supply of essential medicines for federal health institutions.
But ACPN insist say no matter how good the objective be, e no fit override rule of law.
The association argue say under Public Procurement Act, all public procurement must follow open competitive bidding, backed by proper budget approval and regulatory oversight.
Dem add say no private entity suppose get exclusive right to supply drugs and medical consumables without competitive bidding.
Only Pharmacists Get Legal Mandate
ACPN also state say under PCN Act 2022, only registered pharmacists get legal authority to import, export, compound, procure and distribute medicines in Nigeria.
According to dem, no other professional, even outside healthcare, get that specific licensing power.
The pharmacists further raise concern over plan to fund Medipool through Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, warning say any such integration must strictly follow national procurement and health regulations.
Debt, DRF And Past Experience
On the troubled Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), ACPN allege say poor management by non-pharmacist administrations for some federal health institutions weaken the scheme.
Dem claim say as of November 2023, about 73 federal health institutions owe drug suppliers over ₦30bn.
The association also reference 2010 directive under former President Goodluck Jonathan wey allow pharmacists maintain professional leadership in drug sourcing and quality control.
ACPN question why FMoH go adopt what dem describe as “unlawful model” in 2026, adding say Section 27(5) of PCN Act prohibit private pharmacy facilities from operating public pharmacies inside government institutions.
Describing the MoU as invalid and null under Nigerian law, the association call on FMoH to suspend the Medipool deal and instead pursue Drug Revolving Fund model backed by Act of Parliament in public interest.
