The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is at the forefront of championing quality healthcare in Nigeria, focusing on empowering community pharmacists and collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance access and affordability of healthcare services.
Under the impactful leadership of Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh as the National Chairman, the association has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at transforming community pharmacy practice and safeguarding public health.
Pharm. Ezeh's leadership has been marked by a clear vision and strategic pillars that guide the association's response to the numerous challenges facing the healthcare sector. "Our goal is to equip community pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to remain relevant and effective in today's evolving healthcare landscape," Ezeh stated. This commitment has manifested through prioritized training and capacity building initiatives that directly address the needs of practicing pharmacists.
As part of their mission, ACPN is enhancing drug information services and advocating for policies that support quality healthcare delivery. The association has engaged in high-level discussions with policymakers and regulatory bodies to amplify their collective voice in sanitizing the drug distribution system, thus protecting the integrity of the pharmacy profession. "We are not just pharmacists; we are vital players in the healthcare system, and it is crucial that our role is recognized and valued," Ezeh emphasized.
An integral part of ACPN's strategy is the promotion of digital transformation and data-driven decision-making among community pharmacies. One notable initiative is the activation and publication of the Aggregator Platform, which provides a robust online presence for all community pharmacies in Nigeria, thereby increasing visibility and compliance within the sector.
In its pursuit of quality healthcare, ACPN has established two Pharmacare Centres—in Lagos and Awka—serving as models of integrated healthcare delivery. These centres are designed to ensure that community pharmacists can provide comprehensive services, reinforcing the association's commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians.
Ezeh has also taken significant steps to combat the rising issue of counterfeit drugs in the country, urging the National Assembly to amend the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act. "This is an urgent call to action to protect public health from the detrimental impacts of counterfeit medications," he asserted.
Additionally, he has advocated for integrating community pharmacies further into the national healthcare system and promoting local drug manufacturing to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications available to the public.
The urgent focus on drug abuse prevention reflects the ACPN's commitment to advocating for healthcare reform and safeguarding professional autonomy. Ezeh has called for presidential intervention to address critical governance issues within the healthcare system, urging that pharmacists must play a foundational role in the health continuum.
Furthermore, under Ezeh's leadership, the collaboration between ACPN and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has strengthened, aiming to advance pharmacy practice and ensure the welfare of community pharmacists who serve as the first point of contact for healthcare across the nation.
As the ACPN continues to champion quality healthcare, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster a resilient network of community pharmacists dedicated to the health and well-being of the Nigerian populace. This collective commitment to quality, accessibility, and safety sets a promising precedent for the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
