Community pharmacists in Lagos State have strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force through advocacy engagements and statewide health outreaches designed to improve healthcare access for officers and reinforce trust between the two professions.
 
The initiative, which was carried out under the umbrella of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos Chapter, formed part of the 2025 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Scientific Week. 
 
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Pharm. Tolulope Ajayi, the ACPN, explained that the programme, themed “Partnership with Nigeria Police Force for Equitable Access to Healthcare towards Universal Health Coverage,” was held simultaneously across 30 police formations.

Ajayi disclosed that advocacy visits were paid to the Assistant Inspector General at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Lagos State Police Command as part of the exercise. He noted that the health outreaches included free health education, medical screenings, and the distribution of essential medicines, product samples and first aid materials to police officers.
 
The ACPN Chairman emphasised that the initiative reflects the dual role of community pharmacists as healthcare providers and public safety allies. According to him, pharmacists are committed to promoting safe and rational medication use while also supporting crime prevention through intelligence sharing on drug abuse, misuse and trafficking.
 
Ajayi added that the collaboration would not only enhance the productivity and welfare of police officers but also contribute to improved health outcomes and a safer environment for pharmacy practice across Lagos State.
 
Beyond drug dispensing, the ACPN Chairman highlighted the wider role of community pharmacists in preventive healthcare, including counselling on healthy lifestyles, dietary guidance and vaccination. He explained that pharmacists also monitor treatment outcomes between hospital visits, offer adherence support, and provide timely referrals. In addition, they play a vital role in rehabilitating individuals with drug addiction while educating the public on disease prevention, environmental health and community wellness.
 
He further stressed that pharmacy, now a patient-centred doctoral and consultancy profession, has evolved globally into a trusted ally of both healthcare and security institutions. “Together, community pharmacists and the police can create a frontline that fights illegalities, safeguards the public, builds trust, and promotes health and safety,” Ajayi stated.
 
With the success of the health outreaches across 30 police formations, ACPN Lagos expressed optimism that the partnership would set the foundation for a sustainable collaboration. The group noted that the initiative would advance the goal of universal health coverage, strengthen security, and improve the welfare of officers across Lagos State.