…As Oluyole 2024 ACPN Conference hosts over 2000 participants
In recognition of their contributions to the growth of pharmacy practice and healthcare generally in Nigeria, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, have praised community pharmacists for their commitment to professionalism and high ethical standards.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 43rd Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), the governor, who was the guest of honour, said he acknowledged the pivotal role of community pharmacists as the first point of contact for healthcare need, highlighting their essential contributions to public health and patient care.
The conference, which was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, was themed, “Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice through Innovation and Collaboration”
Gov Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said collaboration among healthcare personnel would help in addressing challenges and exploring new opportunities that will lead to a healthier nation.
Governor while commending the ACPN for its steadfast commitment to enhancing community pharmacy practice in Nigeria, emphasised the state’s dedication to advancing the pharmaceutical profession and improving healthcare delivery.
He equally underscored Oyo State’s proactive approach in integrating community pharmacists into public health initiatives,such as the Director of Public Health TB/HIV Integration Coordination Meetings, while announcing plans to recruit additional healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages.
Makinde, who outlined Oyo State’s efforts in creating a supportive environment for community pharmacists through initiatives like the Community Pharmacy Expansion Scheme (CPES), said the state’s alignment with the Omituton 2.0 health agenda and Universal Health Coverage goals, aimed to ensure affordable access to drugs and medical supplies for all citizens.
He highlighted significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure, including the impending establishment of the Oyo State Drug Management Agency, aimed at improving pharmaceutical procurement and distribution.
Earlier in her address, Prof. Adeyeye, NAFDAC DG and Chairperson of the occasion, acknowledged pharmaceutical companies credible performances, adding that she was excited to see many manufacturers display their approved NAFDAC certified products with confidence. “I want to recognise them especially because sometimes we don’t value what we produce in Nigeria.”
She highlighted the pivotal role of community pharmacists as crucial healthcare professionals, serving as the primary interface with the community, as supported by research findings, adding that the conference provides a key opportunity for us to exchange knowledge, chart the course for the future of community pharmacy practice worldwide, and collaborate.
She noted that the theme of the conference was very apt, saying from leveraging technology to enhancing patient care to expanding role in chronic disease management as they have seen at the conference and advocating for policy changes that support the profession.
Adeyeye however tasked the ACPN on the need to build a robust collaboration between the nation’s regulatory agencies and community pharmacists as a need for safeguarding public health, by ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications, promoting regulatory compliance, and a successful and transformative conference.
In his keynote address, Pharm. Remi Adeseun, global director at Salient Advisory, a digital health consulting firm, asserted that the healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, hence technological advancement and other sociodemographic changes are driving community based care.
He noted that the five trends impacting healthcare delivery globally in 2024 includes, focus on holistic, patient-centred care, technological transformation, focus on cost and affordability, shortfalls in health workforce, and equity in health.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the National Chairman, ACPN, Pharm. Wale Oladigbolu, noted that the 33 months he has been at the helms of affairs for ACPN has been a rare privilege for him to contribute to pharmacy profession and the health as well as wellbeing of the citizens of Nigeria.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included presentation of prizes to the winners of the National Anti-Drug Abuse Students Competition.
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