Pharmacists rally collaboration for sustainable healthcare delivery

To keep members informed about industry innovations through continued education, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector have stressed the need for stronger collaboration among community pharmacists to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery and high-quality patient care in Nigeria.

Speaking at a two-day conference in Lagos, themed “Transforming Community Pharmacy Practice through Collaboration, Research and Innovation,” Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State, Tolu Ajayi, noted that the future of pharmacy hinges on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

He said the conference was to build capacity, enhance competencies, and equip pharmacists with the necessary skills to run successful businesses, while maintaining excellent patient care.

Ajayi cautioned that without a stable business framework, many pharmacies risk closure, ultimately depriving patients of essential medications and healthcare services.

The chairman underscored that, beyond knowledge-sharing, the event served as a vital networking platform, enabling pharmacists to strengthen professional relationships and explore collaborative opportunities.

He emphasised that strong networks could significantly influence business growth and overall professional practice.

Ajayi also highlighted the role of research in pharmacy practice, advocating for data-driven decision-making to enhance service delivery. He pointed out that innovation naturally emerges from collaboration and research, leading to improved patient care and the long-term sustainability of pharmacy businesses.

The Chairman, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Olakunle Ekundayo, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of continuous education in the pharmaceutical industry. He observed that healthcare advancements require professionals to stay informed about emerging technologies, products, and best practices.

Reaffirming his company’s commitment to producing high-quality medications, he called for stronger collaborations between pharmacists and local manufacturers.

Ekundayo suggested that pharmacists could pool resources to purchase medications in bulk at discounted rates, ensuring affordability and accessibility for Nigerians.

He equally addressed the ongoing crackdown on the open drug market by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), describing it as a necessary step to sanitise the sector.

However, he cautioned that enforcement alone was insufficient, urging the government to establish structured pharmaceutical hubs where regulations could be effectively enforced.

Ekundayo warned that without proper infrastructure and stringent regulatory oversight, cycles of enforcement followed by a resurgence of unregulated drug sales would persist, allowing substandard and counterfeit medicines to continue threatening public health.

The conference gathered pharmacists from various sectors to focus on key areas such as IT integration, clinical practice, and business management to underscore the need for adaptation to industry advancements.