Abuja:Pharmacists are being recognized as vital contributors to Nigeria’s healthcare system, with their roles expanding significantly to improve health outcomes, as stated by Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Represented by Mrs. Teshoma Dafeta, Director of Human Resource Management at the ministry, Pate shared this perspective during an event in Abuja commemorating the upcoming 2026 World Pharmacists Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Pate emphasized that pharmacists are among the most accessible and trusted health professionals, with responsibilities that now include clinical care, scientific innovation, and public health delivery, beyond their traditional roles in medicine procurement and dispensing. He highlighted the essential role of empowering pharmacists to build a resilient and sustainable health system.
Pharmacists contribute significantly to preventive and primary healthcare through activities like community health screenings, immunizations, and wellness education. Their involvement in managing chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and ensuring patient safety, underscores their importance in the healthcare system.
The government is advancing reforms to strengthen pharmacy practice, including expanding pharmacists’ roles in primary healthcare and specialized care. These reforms encompass e-pharmacy and digital health infrastructure, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory frameworks to enhance medicine supply security.
Investments in pharmacy education, clinical training, and professional development are planned, alongside promoting supportive working environments and integrating health technology into practice. Stronger multidisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, with pharmacists working alongside other health professionals to deliver comprehensive care.
The government is also enhancing regulatory frameworks to support the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), aiming to prevent substandard medical products and secure medicine supply.
Mrs. Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, Director of Food and Drug Services Department, stated that empowering pharmacies involves recognizing their expertise and creating a supportive environment to tackle emerging healthcare challenges. Efforts are underway to address unsafe medication practices and antimicrobial resistance, while embracing tele-pharmacy solutions.
Mrs. Chizoba Maduagwuna, Director at NAFDAC, noted the indispensable role of pharmacists in healthcare teams and stressed the importance of regulatory compliance and the fight against counterfeit medicines. NAFDAC collaborates with the Nigeria Customs Service to monitor pharmaceutical products and prevent the entry of falsified medicines.
Mr. Yusuf Alhassan, Director at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), stated that pharmacists are crucial to health insurance success, as they ensure safe medication dispensing and protect financial integrity. NHIA is optimizing its medicines formulary and integrating pharmaceutical care into its quality framework.
Mr. Muhammad Balarabe from the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) acknowledged the integral role of pharmacies in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector industrialization, highlighting ongoing collaborations to support the healthcare sector’s growth.