Pharmacists are Pillars of Health Security, BoF Urges Greater Government Investment

– Celebrates World Pharmacists Day

The Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Bof-PSN) has  called on government, agencies, healthcare stakeholders, and the public to recognise the place of Pharmacists in the healthcare system, noting that investing in pharmacists is investing in the health and future of the nation.

The BoF-PSN made this call on Thursday, in  commemorating this year’s World Pharmacists Day, highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in building sustainable healthcare systems and promoting public health across Nigeria.

World Pharmacists Day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2009 to celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacists to healthcare systems worldwide. The theme for 2025, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” focuses on the central role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery and health system strengthening.

In a statement issued for this year’s commemoration, the FIP strongly condemned the practice found in some countries—where budgetary constraints have led to the hiring of non-professional health workers to perform roles that require trained pharmacists.

In an interview with the Chairman of the Board, Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, reaffirmed their commitment to championing professionalism, ethical excellence, and leadership within the Pharmacy profession. He recognised the theme of this year’s celebration, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” as a timely call to action amidst the nation’s growing health challenges and constrained resources.

“Pharmacists are not only custodians of medicines but also trusted professionals committed to ensuring quality, safety, accessibility, and innovation in healthcare delivery,” Apakama stated.

He emphasised the resilience and excellence of Nigerian pharmacists operating across diverse practice areas, community, hospital, industry, academia, and regulatory bodies—despite mounting challenges such as substandard medicines, inadequate access to healthcare, and a strained work environment.

The Board of Fellows Chairman used the occasion to reiterate their strategic role in advancing the profession through mentorship, policy advocacy, and thought leadership. Apakama urged greater integration of pharmacists into national health planning, as well as improved funding and systemic support for pharmaceutical services.

Special attention was also drawn to the importance of rural pharmacy practice and the need to strengthen support for young and early-career pharmacists, ensuring the future of the profession is secure and impactful across every region of the country.

Calling on the government, healthcare institutions, and the public, the PSN Fellows stressed that investing in pharmacists equates to investing in the health and future of Nigeria.

“As we celebrate today, let us redouble efforts to support the weaker arms of our profession… so that the impact of pharmacy is felt in every corner of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The PSN Board of Fellows joins millions of pharmacists around the world in celebrating a profession that continues to serve as a cornerstone of global health.