Ezeh advocates stronger role for community pharmacists in primary healthcare

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– As 75 pharmacists bag ACPN’s DCPharm award

L-R: Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, new ACPN national chairman; Dr Fidelis Ayebae, MD / CEO Fidson Healthcare PLC; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, PSN President, and Pharm. Olumide Akintayo,  former president, PSN, at the inauguration of ACPN national Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh.

Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, newly inaugurated as the 16th national chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), has called for a redefinition of community pharmacy’s role in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

Speaking at his inauguration ceremony last December in Lagos, Ezeh emphasised the need for full accreditation of pharmacies as primary healthcare facilities, expedited approval of professional stamps and seals, and the establishment of a national drug revolving fund through collaboration with stakeholders.

The high-profile event, attended by leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, also recognised 75 pharmacists with the ACPN Distinguished Community Pharmacist (DCPharm) Award for their outstanding contributions to the profession and healthcare delivery.

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In his inaugural address, Pharm. Ezeh expressed gratitude to ACPN members for their trust and support. “The road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges. Together, we shall elevate our practice to new heights, ensuring community pharmacists are recognised as pivotal healthcare providers and drivers of positive health outcomes in Nigeria,” he affirmed.

In his speech, Pharm. Babashehu Ibrahim Ahmed, registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), represented by Dr Taiwo Filusi, highlighted the transformative potential of technology in pharmacy. He urged community pharmacists to adopt innovations like telemedicine, personalised medicine, and artificial intelligence to enhance patient outcomes.

Keynote speaker Dr Uzoma Ezeoke, executive director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industry Limited, advocated for servant leadership in the pharmaceutical sector. She outlined its core attributes—empathy, foresight, stewardship, and persuasion—as vital tools for building trust and transforming organisational culture.

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Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), pledged his unwavering support to Ezeh’s administration, describing community pharmacists as crucial to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system. “With me as PSN President, you have a partner. Together, we will address challenges and advance the profession,” Ayuba stated.

Also speaking, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, managing director of Fidson Healthcare Plc and chairman of the occasion, underscored the importance of collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry. He called on community pharmacists to form a mega drug distribution conglomerate while encouraging Nigerians to support locally made pharmaceutical products.

The event’s high point was the conferment of DCPharm Awards on 75 pharmacists, including notable figures such as Pharm. Alli Bakau Oyinloye, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, and Pharm. Abdullahi Sanni Galadima.

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While giving his speech, the Immediate past ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, commended the awardees for their contributions to community pharmacy and healthcare advancement, urging Ezeh to build on these successes through partnerships and servant leadership.

The ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries, including past PSN presidents, NAFDAC representatives, and other key stakeholders, including, Pharm. U.N.O Uwaga; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo: Pharm. Azubike Okwor, all aligned in their commitment to advancing community pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

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