The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos Chapter, have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health insurance tariff structure and improved compensation for pharmacists’ professional services.
During the celebration of World Pharmacists Day 2025 in Lagos, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” both associations urged the government to recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres that can expand access to care and help decongest hospitals.
The event featured a health awareness walk, community outreach, exhibitions by pharmaceutical companies, and capacity-building sessions.
In a communiqué issued after the celebration, ACPN highlighted inadequate tariffs under existing health insurance schemes and insufficient remuneration for critical pharmaceutical services such as medication therapy management, immunisation, and patient counselling. The group also warned against the operations of unlicensed drug sellers and called on the government to strengthen regulatory agencies, revise the Ilera Eko tariff system, and restructure payment models within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure timely reimbursement for medicines dispensed.
PSN Lagos Chairman, Babayemi Oyekunle, emphasised that pharmacists are essential to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery but face persistent issues including illegal drug outlets, limited integration into primary healthcare, and the prevalence of counterfeit medicines. He urged for better welfare packages and incentives to curb the migration of skilled professionals.
Oyekunle noted that community pharmacies, if well integrated, could serve as accessible primary healthcare points, easing the burden on hospitals. “Pharmacists are medication experts who ensure the safe, effective, and rational use of medicines for all citizens,” he said.
ACPN Lagos Chairman, Tolulope Ajayi, echoed the message of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), stressing that effective healthcare systems cannot thrive without pharmacists playing central roles. “In line with global best practices, Nigeria must deliberately integrate pharmaceutical care into its healthcare delivery system. Every recognition of pharmacists is a step toward healthier communities,” he stated.
Immediate past ACPN Lagos Chairman, Lawrence Ekhator, commended the resilience of community pharmacists despite regulatory and economic difficulties. He called for ongoing advocacy to eliminate substandard medicines and strengthen collaboration with government agencies toward achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
