Appolonia Adeyemi 
The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ambrose Ezeh has emphasised the critical role community pharmacists play in healthcare delivery, urging the government to recognise and formalise community pharmacies as essential health facilities within the primary healthcare system.
Ezeh made this known during the inauguration of the 16th National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and the investiture of the Distinguished Community Pharmacist (DCPharm) awardees in Lagos.
He said: “The success of community pharmacies in administering COVID-19 vaccines—78,000 beneficiaries vaccinated in just a few weeks—demonstrates the potential of community pharmacists to contribute significantly to healthcare services.” He called on the Federal government to harness the country’s health workforce to address Nigeria’s pressing healthcare challenges.
“We believe that through strategic collaboration, we can help improve key healthcare indicators like infant and maternal mortality, fake drug syndrome, and others.” Ezeh emphasised the need for community pharmacies to be integral to Nigeria’s health delivery system.
Addressing the guests and colleagues, he expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him to lead the ACPN during this pivotal period stating that: “I am humbled by the confidence you have shown in me to lead this noble association.”
Further, he addressed the longawaited implementation of professional stamps and seals, calling on the Federal Ministry of Justice to activate the draft gazette for its full implementation.
“The Professional Stamps and Seals will serve as an important tool in validating pharmacy transactions, enhancing the credibility and integrity of the pharmaceutical profession,” he stated, outlining how it would impact areas like drug importation, tenders, and procurements.
The National Chairman lauded recent efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to revive the National Prescription Policy (NPP) but stressed the need for greater enforcement to ensure compliance with the law.
“Only licensed prescribers, such as doctors, dentists, and veterinarians, should issue prescriptions, which must then be dispensed by registered pharmacists. We also advocate for expanded prescription rights for trained pharmacists in the future.”
On the issue of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), Ezeh noted the significant debt owed to the pharmaceutical industry by Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) and recommended that the National Assembly enact a DRF Act to address gaps in the supply chain for public hospitals.
The current regulatory agencies are more than capable of overseeing the sector
“The Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) must ensure oversight responsibilities on the FHIs, ensuring that the DRF serves as a sustainable solution for drug procurement,” he added.
Ezeh also expressed concerns about the proposed National Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (NHFRA), arguing that the government should focus on better funding for existing regulatory bodies like the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), rather than creating a new agency.
“The current regulatory agencies are more than capable of overseeing the sector. What is needed is adequate funding and support to ensure they fulfill their mandates,” he said.
He however, assured the government and stakeholders of the ACPN’s commitment to collaborate in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges, but with your unwavering support, we will elevate our practice to new heights.
Together, we will ensure that community pharmacists are recognised not only as critical healthcare providers but also as key drivers of positive health outcomes in Nigeria.
