The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to designate community pharmacies across the country as Primary Health Care (PHC) centres.
National Chairman of the Association, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, made the call yesterday at the ACPN Secretariat in Lagos during activities to mark the 2025 World Pharmacists Day, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”
Ezeh noted that pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients, providing accessible, free consultations, medication guidance, and health advice.
“Pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery. Their accessibility enables them to counsel patients on medication safety, side effects, drug interactions, and adherence strategies,” he said.
Highlighting their contribution to public health, Ezeh listed community pharmacists’ involvement in vaccination campaigns, health screenings, chronic disease management, opioid stewardship, and health policy advocacy. He added that pharmacists are leveraging telepharmacy to reach patients in remote areas while collaborating with other healthcare providers to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
On professional development, Ezeh unveiled the Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation initiative, designed to standardise career progression for community pharmacists nationally and globally.
He announced a new career advancement structure with five progression bands: Community Pharmacist, Senior Community Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist Specialist, Community Pharmacist Senior Specialist, and Community Pharmacist Consultant.
According to him, the scheme will foster continuous learning, improve service delivery, and enhance job satisfaction.
“The benefits of this initiative will lead to improved health outcomes for Nigerians,” Ezeh said, stressing the need for value-based care and personalised patient management.
He urged pharmacists nationwide to seize the World Pharmacists Day platform to showcase their impact and push for community pharmacies to be formally recognised as integral to Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.