As Nigeria continues to grapple with gaps in access to quality and affordable healthcare, community pharmacists are increasingly emerging as the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public. From medicine dispensing to health education, screening, and primary care support, the role of the community pharmacist has expanded significantly. In this interview with Adebayo Oladejo, the Zonal Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), KING Zone, Pharm. (Mrs) Ayodele Alaba Ogunlade, speaks on leadership priorities, operational challenges, technology adoption, and women in pharmacy leadership. The co-founder and executive director of Damilola Pharmacy, Lagos, also forecasts the future of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria. Excerpts:
As the zonal chairman of KING Zone, what are your key priorities for community pharmacists under your leadership?
My major priority is capacity building and professional development for our members. Community pharmacists must remain clinically relevant and economically sustainable. We are strengthening continuous education, promoting ethical practice, and encouraging full compliance with regulatory standards. Another important priority is positioning community pharmacies as the first port of call in healthcare delivery through proper integration into the primary healthcare system.
How do you balance your leadership responsibilities with managing Damilola Pharmacy?
It requires discipline, delegation, and strong teamwork. I have a reliable management structure at Damilola Pharmacy that allows me to focus on strategic oversight, while day-to-day operations are efficiently handled. Leadership in ACPN also benefits my business because it keeps me constantly updated on industry trends, policies, and best practices, which I can implement in our outlets.
What major challenges are community pharmacists in Lagos currently facing, and how can they be addressed?
The challenges are numerous. High cost of doing business, foreign exchange instability, insecurity, poor access to funding, and regulatory bottlenecks remain major concerns. Rent, logistics, and power supply also significantly affect operations. These challenges can be addressed through government support, access to low-interest loans, better enforcement of drug distribution guidelines, and policies that favour local production of medicines.
How do you see community pharmacy practice changing in Nigeria?
Community pharmacy in Nigeria is evolving from mere drug dispensing to patient-centred pharmaceutical care. Pharmacists are now more involved in health screening, medication therapy management, immunization advocacy, and health education. With the proper recognition and policy backing, community pharmacies can significantly decongest hospitals and improve healthcare outcomes at the grassroots.
What factors have contributed to the steady growth of Damilola Pharmacy as a chain outlet?
Consistency, integrity, customer trust, and strategic expansion have been key. We focus strongly on quality service delivery, staff training, and community engagement. Our growth is also driven by understanding the needs of our host communities and responding with accessible, affordable, and safe pharmaceutical services.
How is technology influencing the way you run your pharmacy operations?
Technology has improved efficiency, inventory management, patient records, and service delivery. Digital platforms now support prescription management, stock control, and financial reporting. We are also seeing increased use of telepharmacy and digital health tools. Technology is no longer optional; it is critical for sustainability.
As a woman in pharmacy leadership, what challenges have you faced, and what advice do you have for young female pharmacists?
Balancing family, business, and professional leadership is not easy. There are also societal expectations and sometimes limited opportunities for women in leadership. My advice to young female pharmacists is to remain focused, be confident, seek mentorship, upgrade their skills continuously, and never limit themselves. Excellence always finds a voice.
What is your long-term vision for community pharmacy practice in your zone and beyond?
My vision is to see community pharmacies fully integrated into Nigeria’s formal primary healthcare system. Pharmacists should be recognized as frontline healthcare providers with authority to deliver expanded clinical services. With proper regulation, funding, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, community pharmacists can transform healthcare access across the country.
