The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to adopt and invest in the Pharmacy First Initiative (PFI) to strengthen primary healthcare and accelerate Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. This call was made in a statement signed by the ACPN's National Chairman, Ezeh Ambrose, and National Secretary, Obiageri Ikwu. The association believes that properly structured community pharmacies can serve as accessible first points of care for Nigerians.
The ACPN emphasized that community pharmacies can play a vital role in managing uncomplicated illnesses and providing essential medicines, thereby reducing pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities. The association also suggested that community pharmacists should move beyond dispensing medicines to providing basic screening for uncomplicated non-communicable diseases and counselling on various health-related issues. This expanded role aims to enhance healthcare delivery and promote patient-centred care.
According to the ACPN, Nigeria's healthcare transformation is hindered by gaps in policy, political leadership, evidence, digital transformation, quality improvement, and collaboration. To address these gaps, the association proposed a five-pillar approach: a common vision, quality that inspires trust, digital and data-driven practice, stronger partnerships with primary healthcare, and collaboration with health insurers. This framework is expected to guide policy decisions and strengthen Nigeria's health system.
The ACPN also called for proper documentation and data collection from community pharmacy services to support evidence-based advocacy and inform policy decisions. The association further urged community pharmacists to adopt new practice and business models, invest in scaling their services, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advance Good Pharmacy Practice. This proactive approach aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
The association drew lessons from countries like the United Kingdom, which has expanded the role of community pharmacies in healthcare delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government provided significant financial support to community pharmacies, enabling them to provide accessible and affordable services to patients. In contrast, Nigerian community pharmacists continued to provide essential services without comparable government support or recognition.
The ACPN highlighted a recent investment of £340 million announced in May 2026 to expand pharmacy-based treatment in England, which is an extension of the Pharmacy First model. This initiative aims to reduce pressure on general practice and enhance patient care. The association urged the Nigerian government to explore similar models and establish a Presidential Committee on the pharmaceutical sector to examine the Pharmacy First model and other reforms.
The adoption of the Pharmacy First Initiative is expected to expand access to basic healthcare, creating a more resilient and patient-centred health system in Nigeria. The ACPN believes that greater use of community pharmacies can help achieve Universal Health Coverage and improve healthcare outcomes for Nigerians. The association's call to action emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen Nigeria's health system and promote equitable, quality healthcare.
Key points
- The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria urges the Federal Government to adopt the Pharmacy First Initiative to strengthen primary healthcare and accelerate Universal Health Coverage.
- Community pharmacies can serve as accessible first points of care for Nigerians, managing uncomplicated illnesses and providing essential medicines.
- The ACPN proposes a five-pillar approach to guide Nigeria's healthcare transformation, including a common vision, quality improvement, and collaboration with health insurers.
