Ohuabunwa Urges Innovation, Collaboration to Strengthen Medicine Security

Former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has urged pharmacists to lead Nigeria’s quest for pharmaceutical innovation and collaboration, stressing the need to strengthen local capacity for quality and affordable medicines.

He said innovation-driven partnerships among professionals, government, and industry players remain key to achieving medicine security and universal health coverage in the country.

Speaking during one of the plenary sessions at the 98th Annual National Conference of the  PSN, held in Kano and themed “Pharmaceutical Innovation for Sustainable Access to Quality Medicines and Universal Health Coverage,” Ohuabunwa emphasised that the Pharmacy profession must take a proactive role in shaping Nigeria’s healthcare future.

According to him, innovation remains the cornerstone of medicine security and the path to reducing dependence on imported pharmaceuticals.

“The future of healthcare in Nigeria depends on how quickly we embrace innovation and build local capacity. Pharmacists must look inward, collaborate with researchers and investors, and develop indigenous solutions that guarantee medicine security,” he declared.

The respected industrialist and pharmacist highlighted the need for stronger policies and systems that promote accessibility, affordability, and quality of essential medicines.

“We must strengthen manufacturing and distribution chains. Government support and the right incentives for local producers will make quality medicines more available and affordable to Nigerians,” he noted.

Ohuabunwa also called for greater pharmacist participation in public health policy and governance, insisting that the profession must not be relegated to the background in the national health agenda.

“Pharmacists should be key contributors to policy dialogue and healthcare delivery planning. Collaboration with government, academia, and industry remains vital for achieving universal health coverage,” he said.

He further urged practitioners to embrace digital transformation, describing technology as a crucial tool for modern healthcare delivery.

“Digital innovations like telepharmacy, artificial intelligence, and data-driven patient management are redefining global healthcare. Nigerian pharmacists must position themselves to lead this transformation,” Ohuabunwa advised.

His message drew wide applause from delegates, who described his speech as a strong reminder of the profession’s responsibility to champion healthcare innovation and national medicine independence.

“Innovation is not a choice- it is an obligation,” Ohuabunwa concluded. “Pharmacists must stand at the forefront of building a healthier and self-reliant Nigeria.”