Janet Ogundepo
Pharmacists in Nigeria have called for a stronger role in primary healthcare, urging the Federal Government to approve the Pharmacy First Initiative and allow community pharmacies to provide basic screening services, manage uncomplicated diseases, and improve access to essential drugs.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria made the call in separate statements sent to PUNCH Healthwise to mark World Pharmacists Day, urging pharmacists to embrace technology, strengthen patient care, and intensify the fight against medicine misuse and inappropriate antibiotic use.
The pharmacists said community pharmacies, as accessible points of care, could help reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary health facilities by providing essential medicines, managing uncomplicated diseases and offering services including blood pressure and blood sugar screening, vaccination awareness, health education, smoking cessation support and maternal and child health education.
They further advocated the approval of specific investment plans to leverage
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