Posted on: Thu 02-10-2025

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos branch, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have renewed calls for urgent reforms in health insurance tariffs and compensation for professional services in the country’s healthcare sector.

 

Speaking in Lagos during the 2025 World Pharmacists Day celebration themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” the associations urged the Federal and State Governments to formally recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres capable of decongesting hospitals and expanding access to care.

 

The event featured a health walk, community medical outreach, exhibitions by pharmaceutical companies, and professional development sessions.

 

In a communiqué issued at the end of the programme, ACPN noted that pharmacists face poor tariff structures under health insurance schemes and inadequate remuneration for critical services such as medication therapy management, immunisation, and patient counselling. The body also warned about the dangers posed by unlicensed operators in the drug supply chain and called for stronger regulatory oversight.

 

The group demanded an update to the Ilera Eko tariff system, a review of payment structures under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and prompt reimbursement for medicines dispensed.

 

Chairman of PSN Lagos, Babayemi Oyekunle, stressed that pharmacists remain indispensable to Nigeria’s health system but continue to grapple with challenges, including illegal drug outlets, weak integration into primary healthcare, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines. He further called for improved welfare packages and incentives to curb the exodus of professionals abroad.

 

“Community pharmacies, if fully integrated, can decongest hospitals and function as easily accessible primary healthcare centres. Pharmacists are medication experts, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and appropriate use of medicines for all citizens,” Oyekunle said.

 

The associations also pressed for full recognition of consultant pharmacists, noting that their specialised expertise in areas such as cardiology and endocrinology could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

 

ACPN Lagos Chairman, Tolulope Ajayi, echoed the global message of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which established World Pharmacists Day. He noted that the theme serves as a reminder that no healthcare system can achieve optimal results without pharmacists at its core.

 

“In line with global best practices, Nigeria must intentionally integrate pharmaceutical care into the healthcare delivery system. Every step we take towards recognising pharmacists is a step towards healthier communities,” Ajayi stated.

 

Immediate past chairman of ACPN Lagos, Lawrence Ekhator, praised the resilience of community pharmacists despite regulatory and economic hurdles. He emphasised the importance of continuous advocacy to protect patients from substandard medicines and to strengthen partnerships with government in the drive towards universal health coverage.

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