Sodiq Ojuroungbe As Nigeria celebrates the 2024 World Pharmacists Day, the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria has called for improved working conditions, increased recognition, and empowerment of pharmacists in the country. The National Chairman of AHAPN, Elechi Oyim, emphasised the critical role pharmacists play in Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing their expertise in patient-centered care, medication management, and health education. Oyim in a statement made available to PUNCH Healthwise on Tuesday to commemorate the day, urged the Federal Government to address pressing issues affecting pharmacists, including the appointment of consultant pharmacists and payment of PharmD allowances.
The World Pharmacists Day is celebrated on September 25 every to recognise and celebrate the crucial role that pharmacists play in building healthier communities everywhere. The AHAPN chairman in the statement, called for the improvement of pharmacists’ conditions of service to address brain drain. He also urged the government to include pharmacists in health facility boards for professional drug management, as well as establishing mini drug manufacturing units in hospitals to reduce import costs.
Oyim highlighted the need for interdisciplinary education and research initiatives, innovative technologies, global collaborations, and the empowerment of pharmacists in shaping healthcare policy and practice. The association president also called for centralised.