By Emeka Chiaghanam
The
fight against fake medicines and Nigeria's struggling healthcare system will
remain an uphill battle unless community pharmacists begin taking their place
where government policies are made. That message echoed loudly in Awka as
experts and healthcare stakeholders called on pharmacists to move beyond
dispensing medicines and become influential voices in shaping decisions that
affect millions of Nigerians.
The call reflected the conference theme, "Advancing Political Systems to
Drive Professional Growth and Relevance: A Way Forward for Anambra Community
Practice," which framed discussions throughout the
gathering. The message dominated the 34th Annual Conference of the Association
of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Anambra State Chapter, where
delegates agreed that political engagement is no longer optional for the
profession.
Rather than viewing politics as a pursuit of
power, speakers described it as a vital tool for improving primary healthcare,
eliminating quackery, strengthening professional standards and ensuring
pharmacists contribute directly to policies that shape Nigeria's healthcare
future. They insisted that community pharmacists, who serve as the first point
of contact for many patients, possess practical knowledge that should help
guide public health decisions.
One of the strongest calls came from public
affairs analyst and former Chief Uche Nworah, who challenged pharmacists to
stop watching from the sidelines whenever major healthcare decisions are being
made. He argued that no profession can remain relevant if it fails to
contribute to public policy, warning that pharmacists risk becoming spectators
in matters directly affecting their work when they leave governance entirely in
the hands of politicians and bureaucrats.
He urged them to become active participants in
policy conversations and use their expertise to shape reforms that improve
healthcare delivery. Nworah maintained that meaningful engagement with
government would enable pharmacists to influence decisions instead of merely
reacting to policies after they had already been implemented.
He also identified several issues threatening
the future of community pharmacy practice. He pointed to the continued
circulation of fake medicines, ethical pressures brought about by the country's
economic difficulties, declining public confidence in healthcare, poor access
to medical services in many rural communities, the growing influence of social media,
inadequate youth participation and leadership gaps within the profession.
According to him, these challenges require
coordinated action backed by strong advocacy and forward-thinking leadership.
To address them, he proposed the establishment of a Pharmacy Policy and
Research Desk to generate evidence-based recommendations for government,
stronger public health communication, wider healthcare outreach in underserved
communities, greater investment in digital technology, strategic partnerships
and sustained advocacy capable of driving meaningful healthcare reforms.
For the Chairman of ACPN in Anambra State, Hon.
Felix Enendu, greater political participation is not about chasing elective
positions or partisan interests. Instead, he described it as a deliberate
strategy to protect both the profession and the Nigerian public.
He said community pharmacists must become more visible wherever healthcare decisions are taken if they hope to eliminate quackery, strengthen primary healthcare services and create a more supportive business environment for genuine practitioners. Enendu explained that meaningful political engagement means understanding government processes, building constructive relationships with policymakers and speaking with one united voice on matters affecting healthcare.
In his view, pharmacists cannot expect lasting
reforms if they remain absent from the tables where important decisions are
reached. He stressed that influencing policy is an extension of the
profession's responsibility to safeguard public health.
Enendu also encouraged members to look beyond
the conference lectures and embrace the opportunities created by professional
networking. According to him, exchanging ideas and experiences with colleagues
often leads to partnerships that strengthen businesses, improve patient care
and open fresh opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Pauly Onyeka,
reminded pharmacists that the respect enjoyed by the profession must be
protected through ethical conduct and high standards. The former Anambra State
Commissioner for Housing said pharmacy remains one of the noblest professions
because it demands discipline, competence and continuous learning. He
encouraged practitioners to maintain clean, orderly and welcoming pharmacy
premises while ensuring their staff receive regular training to deliver quality
service that inspires public confidence and customer loyalty.
Offering advice to younger professionals, Fellow
of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Emman Ude Akpeh, urged them to
remain humble throughout their careers. He encouraged them to seek guidance
from experienced colleagues, ask questions without fear and never stop
learning. According to him, true professional excellence is achieved through
continuous growth, shared knowledge and a willingness to improve every day.
As the conference came to an end, participants
reaffirmed their determination to promote excellence in community pharmacy
practice and become stronger advocates for better healthcare policies.
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