National Chairman of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm Ambrose Ezeh, has asked the Federal Government to officially designate community pharmacies as Primary Health Care Centers across the nation.
Ezeh made the call at the ACPN National Secretariat in celebration of the 2025 World Pharmacist Day. Themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,”
He pointed out that it emphasizes the crucial role pharmacists play in enhancing healthcare delivery.
According to him, pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals who provide essential services such as medication expertise, health advice, disease management support, and public health advocacy.
“Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients, making them essential in the healthcare system,” he added.
Pharm Ezeh added, ” Their accessibility and willingness to provide free consultations enable them to counsel patients on medication safety, potential side effects, drug interactions, and adherence strategies”.
He 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.
Others he said included ” 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”.
Pharm Ezeh advocated for essential health policies and engage in public health-related research, encouraging health consumers to collaborate with professionals to amplify these efforts.
Emphasizing ACPN’s commitment to bringing about positive change and professional satisfaction within community pharmacy practice, he said “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”.
