FG Plans Wider Role For Pharmacists In Nigeria’s Healthcare System –
Federal Government Enhances Role of Pharmacists in Nigeria’s Healthcare System
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a strategic initiative to enhance the role of pharmacists in clinical care, public health, digital health, and the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry. This development was revealed during a ministerial press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate World Pharmacists Day, celebrated with the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement, emphasizing the vital position pharmacists hold within the healthcare system. Represented by Tetshoma Dafeta, Pate noted that pharmacists are among the most accessible health professionals and are crucial for the safe and effective use of medications.
As part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the government is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening pharmacy practices and more fully integrating pharmacists into healthcare delivery. These reforms include expanding pharmacists’ roles in primary and specialized care, promoting regulated e-pharmacy and digital health platforms, supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and bolstering efforts against substandard and counterfeit medicines.
“Pharmacists must be positioned not only as custodians of medicines but as active partners in clinical care, public health, digital health, and the development of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry,” Pate remarked.
In addition to these reforms, Pate called for increased investment in pharmacy education, clinical residency programs, continuous professional development, workplace infrastructure, research, and innovation. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to enhance patient care.
Pharm. Olufowubi-Yusuf Adeola, Director of Food and Drug Services, underscored the critical role pharmacists play in improving medication adherence and preventing medication-related errors. She noted that pharmacists are well-positioned within communities to contribute to health education, antimicrobial stewardship, vaccination promotion, and chronic disease management. Adeola advocated for ongoing investment in the skills, tools, and professional environment necessary to enable pharmacists to meet emerging health challenges effectively.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), emphasized pharmacists’ responsibility to ensure that access to medicines aligns with appropriate standards. She stressed the importance of maintaining the quality, safety, efficacy, and proper use of medications available in Nigeria.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), committed to collaborating with pharmacists on medicines formularies and reimbursement processes, ensuring that pharmaceutical care is integrated into quality assurance frameworks.
Dr. Abdul Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, also noted the significance of pharmacists in enhancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, advocating for their active involvement.
Development partners and private-sector stakeholders present at the briefing reaffirmed their support for strengthening pharmaceutical services, ensuring medicine safety, improving patient care, and fostering local pharmaceutical development.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare highlighted that reinforcing the pharmacy workforce represents a key component of its broader health sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Ministry stated that improving pharmaceutical services is essential for enhancing access to healthcare and safeguarding patient well-being.
Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, remarked, “Stronger pharmaceutical services are essential to improving access, protecting patients, and strengthening health systems that save lives and produce health for all Nigerians.”
