Pharmacists under the umbrella of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have called for the enthronement of an ethical drug distribution system in Nigeria to end the permanent chaos associated with the current drug approach of distribution which constitutes security threats to the health of the populace. In a statement jointly signed by the chairman, ACPN, Wale Oladigbolu and the secretary, Ambrose Ezeh, the association said the challenges of medicine security have always been tied to the non-production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) in Nigeria.
According to the association, the ACPN perception has always given credence to the fact that the real drug scourge in Nigeria remains the total surrender of the drug distribution channels to charlatans and infiltrators who continue to hold sway. The duo reasoned that the adversaries of this nation can explore the inherent weaknesses in the value chain of drug dis- tribution endeavours to impose significant morbidity and mortality on the vulnerable population by lacing APIs, excipients or finished products with very lethal substances which would have created havoc before the possibility of a damage control.
According to Oladigbolu and Ezeh, “The challenges of medicine security have al-ways been tied to the non-production of APIs in our country, but obvious challenges in the drug distribution network now make it imperative that we must have more robust consultations to nip in the bud the seemingly deep and penetrating aberrations in a distribution network.” To this end, the ACPN urged governments at all levels to create an enabling environment for community pharmacists to render enhanced professional services in the best interest of consumers of health who appreciate pharmacies as the easiest and fastest facilities to access healthcare like it is in the rest of the world.”
They however commended the PCN Act 2022, saying it was a worthy departure from past laws that held no merit. “The future of community pharmacy is undergoing significant global transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and evolving healthcare systems. Community pharmacies, traditionally known for dispensing medications, are now expanding their role to provide a broader range of healthcare services.
“Community pharmacies are embracing technology to enhance efficiency, improve patient experience, and offer innovative services. This includes adopting automated systems for medication dispensing, implementing electronic health records (EHRs) for seamless information exchange, and utilising tele-health platforms to provide remote consultations and medication counselling. “With the increasing availability of health data and analytics, community pharmacies can better understand and support individual patient needs. They are leveraging technology and data-driven tools to offer personalised medication management, adherence monitoring, and health coaching services.
These approaches help optimise treatment outcomes, prevent medication errors, and improve patient well-being. “Community pharmacies are embracing innovative solutions to drive efficiency and improve patient outcomes. They are exploring the use of robotics in prescription filling, leveraging AI and machine learning for drug interactions and personalised recommendations, and piloting new technologies like 3D-printed medications and block-chain for secure medication supply chain management.
“The future of community pharmacy lies in its ability to adapt to changing healthcare demands, leverage technology-enabled solutions, and provide expanded patient-centred care. By integrating technology, offering personalised services, collaborating with healthcare providers, and emphasising preventative care, community pharmacies will continue to play a vital role in the evolving healthcare eco- system, ensuring accessible, convenient, and comprehensive healthcare services for patients.