Omodunni Oloko is a Nigerian Pharmacist with almost a decade of experience working at the nexus of healthcare and technology. With a background in healthcare and other industries, she has contributed notably to a various organisations through the course of her career. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Lagos and is currently completing an MBA from the Carey Business School at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Oloko in an interview with addressed how technology can make notable impact in Nigeria healthcare.

How do you think technology can change the way pharmacists in Nigeria care for their patients?

Technology is significantly redefining how pharmacists deliver patient care. Traditionally, pharmacists focused on dispensing medications and offering in-person consultations. Now, we see a shift toward more integrated, proactive roles through innovations like telepharmacy and digital health platforms. These tools enable pharmacists to extend their reach, offer remote consultations, monitor medication adherence, and collaborate more effectively with other healthcare providers. For example, pharmacists can now leverage electronic health records (EHRs) to access patient histories in real time, which enhances clinical decision-making. Digital platforms also allow for patient education and follow-up care, which is critical for managing chronic conditions. In this evolving landscape, pharmacists are moving beyond their dispensing role toward becoming essential players in preventive care and chronic disease management.

What are the main issues Nigerian pharmacists face when trying to use digital tools?

One major challenge is interoperability, which refers to the ability of different healthcare systems to work together seamlessly. Often, EHR platforms are not standardized, which makes it difficult for pharmacists to access or share patient data across systems. Training and adoption are also challenges—many pharmacists might find it hard to adapt to new technologies, especially in fast-paced environments.
Additionally, regulatory barriers exist. Telepharmacy services, for example, require state-specific approval, and these regulations are still evolving. Pharmacists also need to ensure compliance with regulations to protect patient privacy when using digital tools.

What can we do to solve these issues and make it easier for pharmacists to use new technology?

Overcoming these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach. Interoperability issues can be addressed through better collaboration among technology vendors to establish standard data formats. Additionally, healthcare institutions can offer ongoing training programs to help pharmacists become more comfortable with new tools.
Regulatory challenges, like telepharmacy approval, can be tackled by working closely with state boards of pharmacy to update policies and ensure that pharmacists are empowered to use digital tools effectively. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning is also critical as technology continues to evolve.

What skills do Nigerian healthcare workers need to handle the rise of technology in the health sector?

Pharmacists need a blend of technical and soft skills. First, digital literacy is essential—they should be comfortable navigating EHRs, telehealth platforms, and digital communication tools. Data analysis skills are also becoming increasingly important, especially for monitoring patient outcomes or identifying medication trends.

In addition, collaborative skills are critical. As pharmacists work closely with doctors and nurses in interdisciplinary teams, strong communication and problem-solving abilities are a must. Finally, a growth mindset and the ability to embrace change will help pharmacists thrive in this dynamic environment.


What ethical considerations should pharmacists look out for when implementing new technologies in healthcare?

One of the primary ethical concerns is patient privacy. Pharmacists must ensure that any patient information shared through telepharmacy or stored in EHRs is protected and compliant with privacy regulations. Transparency is another key issue—patients need to be fully informed about how their data is being used and stored.

Additionally, pharmacists should avoid becoming overly reliant on algorithms and automated systems. While AI can assist in decision-making, human oversight remains essential to prevent errors or biases. Ethical practice also involves ensuring that digital health tools are accessible to all patients, including those in rural areas or with limited technological literacy.

What ethical issues should pharmacists in Nigeria be mindful of when using new technologies?

Emerging technologies such as AI-driven medication management systems, wearable health monitors, and personalized medicine will play major roles in the future of pharmacy. Pharmacists will likely need to engage more with pharmacogenomics, a field that tailors medication plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup.
To prepare, pharmacists must stay informed through continuous education and upskill in data analytics and digital health platforms. Participation in interdisciplinary collaborations will also be crucial, as the future of healthcare delivery will hinge on seamless coordination among various healthcare professionals.
Ultimately, pharmacists must adopt a proactive mindset, actively seeking ways to integrate these technologies to enhance patient care and remain at the forefront of the evolving healthcare landscape.