Nigerian pharmacist fired for refusing unethical practices, selling controlled drugs without prescription

An X user, OBIANUJU AKU, claims she was fired from her job for refusing to sell controlled drugs without a prescription and engaging in other unethical medical practices, sparking outrage and calls for legal action

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Nigerian X (formerly Twitter) user, OBIANUJU AKU, has ignited a fierce online debate after claiming she was dismissed from her job for upholding professional ethics and refusing to engage in illicit practices, including the sale of controlled drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

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In a post that has garnered significant attention, OBIANUJU AKU wrote: “Let it be known that i was dismissed from my job for doing the right thing. For refusing to engage in unethical practices. Especially prescribing and selling control drugs as sleeping pills without a doctor’s prescription.”

She recounted a specific incident where a patient requested Diazepam without a prescription. Upon inquiry, the patient revealed that her boss had already given him four doses, and he was seeking more for insomnia.

OBIANUJU AKU’s refusal to dispense the drug without proper authorization led to her dismissal the following day.

Let it be known that i was dismissed from my job for doing the right thing. For refusing to engage in unethical practices.

The post triggered an outpouring of reactions from other users. One user, Lip gloss medic‍, shared a similar experience: “I left a job last year after only 2 months because of unethical practices that I was being forced to partake in. I couldn’t do it anymore and left.”

OBIANUJU AKU further elaborated on the systemic unethical practices she encountered, stating: “Asides this, there’s the multiple lies you’re expected to tell patients, typhoid fever is +++ ??? Then tell them to pay for treatment (using infusions and antibiotics).. they’re even taking drips to flush the system. I am lowkey glad that i walked away from this.”

Another user, RUKEVWE, commented: “It means they’re not after the well-being of patients. So sorry.” To which OBIANUJU AKU starkly replied: “In Nigeria? No one is after your well being here, they want to make money off your condition. Do yourself some good by NOT falling sick.”

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The incident has highlighted broader concerns about professional ethics and patient welfare in the Nigerian healthcare sector.

User AGU UDÒ 2.0 lamented, “This is part of the reason Nigeria isn’t going to get better soon because the ones who are doing the RIGHT THING are often ostracized until they succumb to the pressure. I think you should try and take legal actions against them and also see what governing body to Report them to.”

Peculiar Adirika