The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) during the 98th Annual National Conference, tagged DABO 2025 opened its first panel session on November 5, 2025 with a resounding call for a technology-driven, future-ready pharmacy workforce.

The conference, themed “Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Performance, Collaboration, and Transformation,” was held at the Convocation Hall, Bayero University, Kano.

The plenary session brought together pharmacists, researchers, academics, and industry experts to explore innovative approaches for improving medicine access, healthcare delivery, and supply chain integrity across Nigeria.

The session featured a presentation by EHA Clinics under the sub-theme: “Harnessing Technology for Safer Medicine Access and Health Equity in Nigeria.” Moderated by Abdulkareem Iyamu, Vice President, Business Development at EHA Clinics, the panel examined how digital tools can transform healthcare—particularly in underserved and rural communities.

Iyamu noted that the panel’s goal was “to discuss how innovative technology and digital platforms can improve access to safe medicines, strengthen supply chain integrity, enhance pharmacovigilance, and promote equitable healthcare.”

The panelists included: Pharm. (Mrs.) Osaretin Jaiyeola, MD & Principal Consultant, Fensyl MHP Consulting Limited; Muhammed Fausat, Senior Manager, Supply Chain; Pharm. (Dr.) Murtala Umar, National Chairman, PSN Kano & Lecturer, Bayero University; Ogochukwu Maduabum, Technical Manager, EHA Clinics and Pharm. Rukayat Yunusa, Supply Chain & Quality Manager, EHA Clinics.

Pharm. Jaiyeola emphasized the urgent need for innovative health technologies, especially in low-income and hard-to-reach areas. She highlighted telemedicine, electronic hospital systems, and NAFDAC’s evolving authentication and track-and-trace systems as key opportunities.

She stressed the need for deeper collaboration between private sector players and regulators to develop user-friendly mobile health solutions.

According to her, “The action is now. We need solutions that allow patients—even those in rural areas to access medicines, report adverse events, and receive care using just their mobile phones. If we can order food online, we should be able to do same for our health.”

Speaking on vaccine distribution and supply chain visibility, Muhammed Fausat explained that technology remains the most effective way to reach Nigeria’s rural population, which constitutes nearly half of the country.

“With technology, we can track vaccinators, confirm that settlements have been covered, and ensure children receive the vaccines they need,” he said. “Technology is how Nigeria can scale and achieve universal health coverage.”

Pharm. (Dr.) Murtala Umar underscored the role of digital tools in addressing manpower shortages and improving access to medical care.

“If government and professional bodies leverage technology, people in underserved communities will have better access to medical attention and medicines,” he said. He added that embracing digital solutions will help regulate practice, improve distribution efficiency, and guarantee the quality of medicines reaching the public.

Ogochukwu Maduabum noted that technological innovations—both online and offline are essential for delivering safe and high-quality care.

“People should be able to review their medications from home, but we must also build reliable offline applications to serve areas with limited internet access,” he said.

For Pharm. Rukayat Yunusa, digital transformation has revolutionized pharmacy practice, particularly within supply chains. “Previously, pharmacists relied heavily on manual processes,” she said. “Today, electronic logistics management information systems provide visibility even in rural areas. Data visibility cannot be overemphasized.”

During the interactive segment, participants raised questions on technology adoption, regulatory frameworks, and implementation challenges. The panelists provided detailed responses, reaffirming the commitment of PSN and its partners to driving innovation within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.