The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on pharmacists to embrace technology and expand their role beyond medicine dispensing to build a healthier Nigeria. In his 2026 World Pharmacists Day message, PSN President Ayuba Tanko emphasized the critical role of pharmacists in protecting lives and improving health outcomes. He noted that pharmacists are not just dispensers of medicines but healthcare professionals, educators, counsellors, advocates, and partners in patient care.
According to Tanko, pharmacists play a vital role in patient care by helping them understand their medicines, promoting treatment adherence, and identifying potentially harmful interactions. He also highlighted the unique opportunity pharmacists have to contribute to public health, particularly at the community level. Pharmacists can provide guidance on disease prevention and healthy living, and their accessibility makes them a crucial point of contact for patients with health concerns.
Tanko noted that rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital health are changing the healthcare landscape, requiring pharmacists to continuously update their knowledge and adopt evidence-based practice. He stressed the need for pharmacists to educate patients on correct dosage, timing, possible side effects, precautions, and adverse drug reactions to minimize medication-related harm. This is crucial in preventing unsafe medication practices, including medicine misuse and antimicrobial resistance.
The PSN president urged pharmacists to move beyond the traditional pharmacy counter by participating more actively in preventive and community healthcare. This can be achieved through vaccination awareness, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, health education, smoking cessation support, and maternal and child health education. By doing so, pharmacists can contribute significantly to public health and improve patient outcomes.
Tanko also called on pharmacists to implement the resolution of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) on activating pharmacy-based clinics to provide such services. He emphasized the importance of proper documentation and institutionalization of data collection. Furthermore, he stressed the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals, saying healthcare delivery should be viewed as teamwork rather than competition, with the patient as the ultimate beneficiary.
The PSN president announced that the society would celebrate its centenary in the first quarter of 2027, with various activities planned. These include a centenary declaration, launch of a centenary endowment fund, public lectures, a centenary publication, and a banquet and awards night. Tanko charged pharmacists and those entering the profession to uphold its dignity and integrity, put patients first, and pursue lifelong learning.
Tanko emphasized that the future of healthcare requires courage, innovation, compassion, and collaboration, and that pharmacists have an important role to play in shaping that future. He urged pharmacists to remain committed to safe and effective medicine use and improved patient care, and called for a renewed commitment to serving humanity and improving lives.
Key points
- Pharmacists urged to leverage technology to improve healthcare in Nigeria
- PSN president emphasizes need for pharmacists to expand role beyond medicine dispensing
- Pharmacists play vital role in patient care and public health
