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Embracing Digital Transformation in Community Pharmacy
In a significant move to redefine the role of community pharmacies in Nigeria, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has brought together various stakeholders across the healthcare sector. This initiative aims to integrate digital health solutions and offer personalized care, marking a new era for community pharmacy practice.
The 44th Annual National Scientific Conference of ACPN, held in Awka, Anambra State, served as a platform for discussing these transformative ideas. The conference was themed “Technology Integration and Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” highlighting the importance of adapting to modern healthcare needs.
Key Insights from the Conference
During the event, the Imo State commissioner for health, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ubaka, delivered a keynote address emphasizing that in the digital age, the most impactful healthcare provider is not necessarily a surgeon or physician but the local pharmacist. He encouraged community pharmacists to utilize digital tools, artificial intelligence, and personalized care strategies to enhance their services, making them more responsive and cost-effective.
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, also shared his thoughts through a goodwill message. He praised the resilience and professionalism of community pharmacists, referring to them as the heart of the healthcare delivery system. Soludo commended ACPN for choosing Anambra for the conference and reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical sector through initiatives like the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs).
Leadership and Policy Discussions
Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, the National Chairman of ACPN, highlighted the importance of adhering to the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) of 2015. He praised the Anambra government for placing pharmacists at the center of health reforms and called for regulatory harmony between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Ezeh urged NAFDAC to respect the statutory roles of other regulatory agencies.
Pharm. (Sir) Ike Onyechi, the chairman of the occasion, represented by Pharm. (Dr.) Ignatius Anukwu, encouraged community pharmacists to embrace digital innovation. He noted that community pharmacists are often the first point of contact in many communities, making their role crucial in delivering timely healthcare services.
Recognition and Future Plans
President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim, lauded Anambra State’s pharmacy-friendly stance and announced that the next PSN National Conference would be hosted in the state. This announcement underscores the growing recognition of Anambra’s efforts in advancing the pharmaceutical sector.
The registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigerian (PCN), Pharm. Ahmed Babasheu, expressed optimism about the ongoing construction of the Oba CWC. He reiterated PCN’s support for innovations that promote safer and more efficient drug distribution systems.
Celebrating Excellence and Collaboration
Beyond policy discussions, the conference was a celebration of excellence. Awards were presented to outstanding pharmacists, and messages of goodwill poured in from various sectors, reinforcing the value of community pharmacy in achieving national health outcomes.
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of different stakeholders in shaping the future of community pharmacy in Nigeria. As the industry moves towards digital transformation, it is clear that the role of community pharmacists will continue to evolve, playing a pivotal role in ensuring accessible and effective healthcare for all.
