The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised concerns over the growing exodus of pharmacists from Nigeria, saying more than 9,500 professionals have left the country in the past two years in search of better pay and working conditions.
The association made the disclosure in a communiqué issued at the end of its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference in Abuja. It called for urgent government action to stem the brain drain and protect Nigeria’s pharmaceutical workforce
Wretched Reward System Driving Migration
According to the communiqué, signed by The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Obiageri Ikwu, pharmacists are leaving because of what the association described as a “wretched reward system” across both the public and private sectors.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) also identified poor practice environments, inefficient drug distribution systems and a declining academic workforce as factors worsening the situation.
The association warned that if the trend continues unchecked, Nigeria could face serious consequences for pharmacy education, healthcare delivery and access to essential medicines.
Community Pharmacies Seek Bigger Role In Primary Healthcare
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) called for community pharmacies to be formally integrated into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
It argued that because community pharmacies are widely distributed and easily accessible, they could serve as important first contact points for affordable healthcare, particularly for people who may struggle to access hospitals.
The association urged the Federal Government to introduce supportive policies, regulatory reforms and sustainable financing that would allow community pharmacists to provide essential medicines and manage uncomplicated health conditions.
It said such measures could also help reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
Pharmacists To Expand Health Screening Services
The conference encouraged community pharmacists to broaden basic health services, including screening for hypertension and diabetes, medication counselling and health education.
It also recommended pharmacy based clinics that can provide counselling on malaria, antenatal care, family planning, smoking cessation and the responsible use of nutraceuticals.
further urged community pharmacies to strengthen documentation and data collection, noting that reliable information would provide a stronger basis for advocacy, research and government policy.
The association identified weak political leadership, limited digital transformation, inadequate evidence generation, poor quality improvement and insufficient collaboration as some of the barriers affecting patient centered pharmaceutical care.
ACPN Demands Stronger Action Against Drug Abuse
On drug abuse, the pharmacists called for tougher action against drug peddlers and unlicensed sellers of controlled medicines.
The association urged the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the police to strengthen enforcement and prosecution.
It also called for the rehabilitation of existing drug treatment centres and the establishment of additional facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the association, the expansion of treatment services is particularly important as drug abuse continues to pose a growing challenge among young people and women.
Calls for New Pharmaceutical Institutions
The conference also urged the National Assembly to conclude pending legislation affecting the pharmaceutical sector, including proposed amendments to the Fake Drug Act.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) proposed the establishment of a Federal Drug Management Agency to coordinate drug procurement through a central pool.
It also advocated the creation of a National Postgraduate College of Pharmacists to strengthen specialist training and support the future of pharmacy education in Nigeria.
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ACPN Raises Concerns Over Proposed Health Bills
The association cautioned the National Assembly against proposed amendments affecting 14 professional regulatory councils and NAFDAC.
It described some of the pending health bills as “suppressive and oppressive”, arguing that they lacked sufficient justification in the public interest.
Despite its concerns, The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) said it remained committed to working with regulatory bodies to improve pharmaceutical practice.
The association resolved to deepen collaboration with the PCN, NAFDAC and NDLEA while calling for stronger regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical activities, particularly the operation of private hospital pharmacies.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) said urgent and coordinated reforms were needed to retain skilled pharmacists, strengthen community based healthcare and ensure Nigerians continue to have access to safe, affordable and quality medicines.
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