CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the Federal Government to officially designate community pharmacies as Primary Healthcare Centers across the nation.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was made known in a press address delivered by the National Chairman of the Association, Pharm Ambrose Ezeh, at the ACPN National Secretariat in celebration of the 2025 World Pharmacist Day.
The theme of this year’s event is, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”. This year’s observance emphasizes the crucial role pharmacists play in enhancing healthcare delivery.
Ezeh highlighted that pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals, who provide essential services such as medication expertise, health advice, disease management support, and public health advocacy.
He noted, “Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients, making them essential in the healthcare system. Their accessibility and willingness to provide free consultations enable them to counsel patients on medication safety, potential side effects, drug interactions, and adherence strategies”.
The address outlined several critical contributions of pharmacists to public health, including:
Public Health Campaigns: Community pharmacists actively participate in vaccination programs, health screenings, and initiatives promoting disease prevention and chronic condition management.
Disease Prevention and Control: Pharmacists develop and implement strategies focused on enhancing medication safety practices and engaging in initiatives like opioid stewardship.
Health Education and Policy Development: They advocate for essential health policies and engage in public health-related research, encouraging health consumers to collaborate with professionals to amplify these efforts.
Telepharmacy and Digital Health: With advancements in technology, pharmacists leverage telehealth solutions to provide medication consultations to patients in remote areas.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals to create integrated care plans aimed at improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities.
Pharm. Ezeh emphasized the importance of value-based care, which encourages community pharmacists to develop personalized care plans that optimize medication management. He pointed to the current healthcare landscape as offering significant opportunities for pharmacists to advance their careers in advocacy, research, training, and participation in global health initiatives.
As part of the celebrations, the ACPN launched the Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation initiative. This initiative aims to standardize career progression ratings for community pharmacists both nationally and globally, creating structured pathways for professional development, talent retention, and quality assurance in patient services.
Ezeh introduced a new career advancement scheme in community pharmacy practice, outlining five progression bands:
1. Community Pharmacist
2. Senior Community Pharmacist
3. Community Pharmacist Specialist
4. Community Pharmacist Senior Specialist
5. Community Pharmacist Consultant
The proposed career gradient focuses on enhancing professional knowledge and practice, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and expanding networking and collaboration opportunities.
“The benefits of this initiative will lead to improved health outcomes for the populace,” Ezeh asserted.
He concluded by emphasizing ACPN’s commitment to bringing about positive change and professional satisfaction within community pharmacy practice. The 2025 World Pharmacist Day presents a unique opportunity for pharmacists to mobilize efforts, advocating for recognition of community pharmacies as vital components of primary healthcare in Nigeria.
The ACPN invites all pharmacists to seize this opportunity to showcase their collective impact on health systems and advocate for a future where community pharmacies are recognized as vital components of primary healthcare.