The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) officially inaugurated a new Pharmacare Centre in Umuawulu town, Awka South Local Government Area, on July 22, 2025, during its 44th Annual Scientific National Conference. This initiative signifies a major step towards enhancing access to pharmaceutical services, heralding a new era of healthcare accessibility for the community and surrounding regions.

This newly commissioned Pharmacare Centre marks the second facility of its kind owned by ACPN in the country. It has been purposely built to provide a wide range of healthcare services to the Umuawulu community, which previously relied heavily on nearby cities for quality medical care and medications. The establishment of this centre reflects ACPN's commitment to addressing healthcare disparities through the Community Pharmacy Expansion Scheme, which aims to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

The official commissioning ceremony was conducted by Dr. Afam Obidike, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, on behalf of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. Dr. Obidike expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of local healthcare facilities in bridging gaps in medical service delivery.

Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, the National Chairman of ACPN, emphasized the association’s dedication to improving access to pharmaceutical services in underserved areas during his remarks at the ceremony. "In continuation of our resolve toward improving access to pharmaceutical services by intentionally targeting the underserved areas across Nigeria, we will establish a Pharmacare Centre in every state hosting our Conference. Today, we proudly unveil a befitting edifice for Anambra State in Umuawulu town, Awka South LGA,” he stated.

Ezeh further articulated the significance of the new facility, noting, “This is yet another testament to the noble efforts of our Association in the realization of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria. This isn't just a building; it represents the dawn of a new era in accessible patient care and community pharmaceutical care for the people of Umuawulu and beyond."

The Pharmacare Centre is envisioned as a progressive model of pharmaceutical care—an integrated hub where residents can access professional advice, essential medicines, health screenings, medication counseling, and preventive care, all under one roof. Ezeh reiterated ACPN's mission to transform community pharmacies into trusted, accessible, and proactive public healthcare institutions. "Together, we will transform healthcare services in Nigeria," he concluded.

The commissioning of this Pharmacare Centre is poised to significantly uplift the healthcare landscape in Umuawulu, ensuring that residents receive quality pharmaceutical care locally and contributing to the overall improvement of health outcomes in Anambra State and beyond.