Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the federal government to officially recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres. The group said such recognition would improve access to essential healthcare services across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

ACPN President, Mr. Ahmed Tijani, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He said community pharmacies already provide essential services, including drug dispensing, basic health screening, immunisation, and health education. Formal recognition, he said, would allow them to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

“Community pharmacies are often the first point of contact for many Nigerians seeking medical care,” Tijani said. “Recognising them as primary healthcare centres will strengthen our health system and bring services closer to the people.”

According to ACPN, over 80% of Nigerians live in areas where community pharmacies are more accessible than hospitals or clinics. The association argued that these pharmacies are equipped with trained professionals and infrastructure to handle preventive care, routine health checks, and minor treatments.

Currently, community pharmacies are largely classified under retail business regulations, limiting their role in formal healthcare planning. ACPN believes this restricts their ability to participate fully in national health programs, such as immunisation drives, maternal health initiatives, and disease surveillance.

“By integrating community pharmacies into the primary healthcare framework, we can reduce the burden on hospitals and improve early detection of diseases,” Tijani added. “It will also promote responsible use of medications and reduce cases of self-medication and drug misuse.”

Experts have welcomed the proposal, noting that it could help Nigeria achieve universal health coverage. Dr. Blessing Okeke, a public health consultant, said, “Community pharmacies are well-positioned to expand healthcare reach, especially in rural and underserved communities. Recognition by the government will allow them to provide more preventive and promotive services.”

The ACPN also recommended that the government provide clear guidelines and training programs to ensure that community pharmacists meet the standards expected of primary healthcare centres. These steps, the association said, would help maintain quality care while expanding services to more Nigerians.

Community pharmacies have historically played a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. They often operate in areas where hospitals are scarce, offering services such as blood pressure checks, malaria testing, diabetes screening, and counselling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many pharmacies provided critical support through testing, vaccination, and patient education.

The federal government has, in recent years, shown interest in strengthening primary healthcare. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has launched programs aimed at expanding access to essential medicines and services. ACPN’s call aligns with these efforts and could help bridge gaps in the current system.

If adopted, ACPN’s recommendation could also improve public health outcomes by increasing early disease detection, promoting preventive care, and easing pressure on tertiary hospitals. However, successful implementation would require policy adjustments, adequate funding, and continuous training for pharmacists.

The association has vowed to continue advocacy, engaging policymakers, professional bodies, and community stakeholders to advance the proposal. “Our goal is to ensure that all Nigerians can access quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” Tijani said.

The government has not yet responded formally to ACPN’s call. Health sector observers say the move, if approved, could mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to primary healthcare delivery, expanding services beyond hospitals and clinics to trusted local pharmacies.