The celebration of this year’s World Pharmacists Day on 25 September provided another vital opportunity to not only appreciate the critical contributions of pharmacists to global healthcare but to also explore quenues through in which these roles can be enhanced. With the theme, “Pharmacists Meeting Global Health Needs,” the event highlights the evolving roles of pharmacists as essential healthcare professionals, far beyond their traditional roles as dispensers of medication. From chronic disease management to public health advocacy and pharmaceutical research, pharmacists have become invaluable in addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
In his speech for the commemoration, President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Pharm. Paul Sinclair, emphasised the growing importance of pharmacists in healthcare delivery. He highlighted how pharmacists are optimising patient care and ensuring medicine security globally. These are not abstract global concepts; they apply directly to our Nigerian context. In a country with a high burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases, pharmacists play a key role in disease management. From hypertension to diabetes, many Nigerians rely on their local pharmacists for advice on managing these chronic conditions, particularly when visits to the doctor are unaffordable or infrequent.
Beyond the celebration, however, is the vital reminder that more can and must be done to fully utilise the expertise of pharmacists in strengthening our healthcare system. As Sinclair rightly noted, the event is not just an opportunity to appreciate the achievements of pharmacists, “but also to advocate our profession’s value and further potential in meeting health needs and addressing health challenges.”
For Nigeria, in particular, to move from mere recognition to meaningful action, there are concrete steps that must be taken to ensure the pharmacy profession reaches its full potential in serving the health needs of the nation. To begin with, barriers limiting the capabilities of pharmacists must be addressed. One of the most pressing issues is local drug production. As President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Usifoh, noted, government must do more to create an enabling environment for pharmaceutical manufacturers to scale up local drug production. Currently, over 60 of Nigeria’s medications are imported, which is unsustainable given fluctuating exchange rates. The government should incentivise local pharmaceutical manufacturing through tax breaks, low-interest loans, and technical support. This will ensure a steady supply of affordable medications and reduce reliance on costly imports.
Affordability is also crucial. Pharmacists alone cannot lower drug prices—it requires government intervention. Streamlining import duties on raw materials for local manufacturers would allow them to offer competitive prices, making medications more accessible, particularly for low-income Nigerians.
The brain drain in the healthcare sector is another issue the government must urgently tackle. Many pharmacists seek better opportunities abroad due to poor working conditions and low pay. Improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing remuneration, and providing career growth opportunities are essential to retain skilled professionals. Investing in the continuous development of pharmacists will help strengthen local healthcare delivery.
Pharmacists themselves must also take responsibility for advancing the profession. They should embrace continuous learning, particularly in emerging areas like digital health, and expand their roles in preventive healthcare. By educating patients, managing chronic diseases, and offering wellness programs, pharmacists can relieve the burden on Nigeria’s overstretched healthcare system.
Pharmacists must also advocate for their role in healthcare by collaborating with other professionals to demonstrate their value. Through partnerships in areas like antimicrobial stewardship and vaccination campaigns, pharmacists can support broader public health initiatives and improve patient outcomes.
Moreover, as Pharm. Elechi Oyim of AHAPN has observed, Nigerians’ perception of pharmacists has to be improved. Pharmacists are more than medication dispensers—they are trusted health advisers who can manage chronic diseases and perform health screenings. Public awareness of these broader roles will foster trust and encourage Nigerians to seek their expertise for more than just prescriptions.
In addition, Nigerians must be orientated to better appreciate the unique roles of pharmacists, who are often the most accessible healthcare professionals in their communities. By seeking pharmacists’ advice for disease prevention and health management, Nigerians can benefit from their extensive knowledge and care. Pharmacists themselves must actively engage communities through health seminars and public outreach to raise awareness about their indispensable services.
It is our belief that while pharmacists are uniquely positioned to meet global and national health needs, the focus should not only be on celebrating them but on creating an environment where their contributions can be maximised. With the right policies, continuous innovation, and public engagement, pharmacists will be more empowered to advance the Nigerian healthcare system.
