Medipool: Pharmacists Challenge FG’s Drug Supply Arrangement, Demand Public Oversight

• Medipool has come under criticism from the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, which wants stronger public oversight and legal safeguards for medicine procurement and distribution.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has challenged the Federal Government’s medicine procurement arrangement with Medipool, warning that its structure could weaken regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical supplies to public health facilities.

PSN President, Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, raised the concerns at the society’s 99th Annual National Conference in Awka, Anambra State.

He acknowledged the initiative’s objectives of reducing medicine costs, preventing shortages and supporting local manufacturers. However, he argued that procurement, quality assurance and the handling of controlled medicines required clear public accountability.

Tanko said the society’s objections concerned the arrangement’s structure and legal framework, rather than the principle of pooling purchases.

The PSN called for legislation establishing a Federal Drug Management Agency and a drug revolving fund framework. It proposed that any retained Medipool role should focus on pooled price negotiations or competitively selected, non-exclusive supply arrangements.

The society also urged the government to retain responsibility for medicine custody and dispensing through public-sector pharmacists working with relevant regulators.

The criticism follows earlier government steps to put Medipool into operation as a national group purchasing organisation.

In February 2026, the government announced an agreement intended to combine demand for medicines and medical supplies, improve procurement efficiency and lower costs.

Health Minister Muhammad Pate presented the initiative as part of efforts to improve access to essential medicines and strengthen the supply chain. Those earlier statements explain the government’s rationale; they were not a response to the PSN’s latest objections.

The disagreement centres on how pooled purchasing should operate, who should control medicines within public facilities and how responsibility for quality and regulatory compliance should be enforced.

The PSN maintains that private-sector participation should function within a clearly defined public procurement framework backed by legislation.