Japa Syndrome: 7,000 Pharmacists Flee Nigeria In Pursuit Of Better Opportunities Abroad Within Two Years– PSN

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Usifoh, has revealed that over the past two years, more than 7,000 pharmacists have left Nigeria for more favourable working conditions overseas.

Speaking in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, Professor Usifoh emphasized that this mass emigration of pharmacists reflects a concerning issue of brain drain, which remains a significant challenge within the nation’s healthcare sector.

He stressed the need for urgent attention to address this issue, given its implications for the well-being of Nigerians.

Professor Usifoh called upon the government to foster an environment that is conducive to the practice of pharmacy, with the aim of reversing this trend and encouraging pharmacists to remain in the country and contribute to its development.

“To curtail the phenomenon of brain drain, we must create conditions that make staying an attractive choice. The government should facilitate the creation of such an enabling environment to not only retain pharmacists but also attract them back to Nigeria. We are here, and we are committed to staying,” he asserted.

As a professor of pharmacy, Mr. Usifoh also highlighted the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering the country’s self-sufficiency in healthcare and improving the overall health sector.

Regarding the 96th annual conference of the PSN, currently taking place in Gombe State, Mr. Usifoh stated that it serves as an opportunity to evaluate the organization’s achievements over the past year and strategize on ways to enhance the healthcare sector.

He noted that members and industry professionals attending the conference are exploring potential collaborations with the Gombe State government to tap into the opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry within the state.