NARD Opposes NUC's Decision to Upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry Degrees to 'Doctor' Status

NARD Opposes NUC's Decision to Upgrade Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry Degrees to 'Doctor' Status

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed strong opposition to the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to elevate the nomenclature of degree programs in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor's degrees to "Doctor" status in Nigerian universities.

While acknowledging the aspirations of all healthcare professionals for improved welfare and a stronger health system, NARD voiced concerns over the potential unintended consequences of the decision. 

The association highlighted that, over the past two decades, the focus of many health worker groups has shifted from driving systemic improvements to competing with medical doctors, often centered around demands to adjust salary structures.

NARD argued that such a move might confuse patients, worsen interprofessional tensions, and enable quackery in an already fragile health system.