The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has expressed its dedication to creating pharmaceutical centers in all 36 states across Nigeria.
This commitment was announced by the outgoing National Chairman, Adewale Oladigbolu, during the 43rd International Scientific Conference, themed “Oluyole 2024,” held at the University of Ibadan’s Conference Centre.
Oladigbolu emphasized that the unequal distribution of healthcare resources is a major obstacle to effective primary healthcare delivery.
He pointed out that the statistics concerning community pharmacy services in Nigeria’s 774 local councils were alarming, which has led the ACPN to initiate the establishment of pharmaceutical centers in areas that are underserved.
A recently opened facility in Afijio Local Council, Oyo State, was mentioned as part of this initiative, designed to motivate and support members to operate in hard-to-reach locations.
Throughout his leadership, Oladigbolu stated that his administration successfully improved access to credit for members through collaborations with financial institutions.
He remarked that the conference’s theme, “Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice Through Innovation and Collaboration,” was chosen to promote advancements in community pharmacy and improve national health outcomes.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, Chairman of the Association of Pharmacists in Academia from Obafemi Awolowo University, urged for enhanced federal investment in research at universities.
He raised concerns about the lecturer-to-student ratio set by the National Universities Commission, which negatively impacts the quality of pharmaceutical education.
The conference wrapped up with the election of new officials for the ACPN, with Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh being elected as Chairman and Adegboyega Ogunloye stepping in as Vice Chairman, along with several other new officers.
