Integrating Pharmacists into National Insurance

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement reforms integrating registered community pharmacists into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The association contends that this move is critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, as it would expand access to affordable healthcare and improve the availability of quality medicines.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the National Chairman of the association, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, noted that the continued exclusion of community pharmacies from the scheme undermines the effectiveness of national health insurance. He disclosed that nearly 80 per cent of Nigerians first seek healthcare services from neighborhood pharmacies before presenting at hospitals, making pharmacists the most accessible healthcare providers in the country.

Most Nigerians live closer to a community pharmacy than to a major hospital. Integrating community pharmacists into the NHIA means healthcare becomes available right where people live, reducing travel time, lowering healthcare costs and improving timely access to quality medicines.

— Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN)

Strengthening Primary Healthcare and Safety

The ACPN emphasized that the government could significantly enhance healthcare delivery by leveraging the existing nationwide network of licensed community pharmacies. This approach, according to the association, would reduce the need for massive public capital investment in new health facilities while simultaneously addressing the challenges of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

However, the association stressed that any expanded collaboration with the NHIA must be founded on a transparent and equitable reimbursement framework. Such a model, in line with the NHIA Act, is necessary to protect private-sector investments and ensure the long-term sustainability of the national health insurance programme.

Beyond dispensing, the association highlighted that modern pharmacy practice now encompasses medication therapy management, disease prevention, and broader public health interventions. Pharm. Ezeh also issued a warning against patronizing unlicensed medicine vendors, who are identified as major contributors to the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines. He urged the public to obtain medications only from registered pharmacies supervised by licensed professionals to ensure quality assurance.

Unity 2026: Annual International Scientific Conference

The call for reform comes as the ACPN prepares for its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, scheduled for July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Abuja Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre. The event, themed "Unity 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact, Managing Complex Political Systems," aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and international experts to deliberate on strengthening the national healthcare system.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Chidi Dozie, stated that the event would feature internationally benchmarked exhibitions and scientific sessions designed to foster collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. As part of the conference activities, the ACPN plans to conduct health outreach programmes across the Federal Capital Territory, offering free medical screenings, hepatitis awareness campaigns, and vaccinations.

Participants should expect internationally benchmarked exhibitions, robust scientific sessions and premium networking opportunities that would strengthen collaboration among local and global healthcare stakeholders.

— Pharm. Chidi Dozie, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, ACPN

High-Level Stakeholder Engagement

The upcoming conference is expected to host a significant number of high-ranking government officials, including the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; and the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, who will serve as the conference chairman.

Additional expected guests include: - Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare - Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory - Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare - Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, Minister of State for the FCT

The association expressed confidence that the upcoming deliberations would generate practical policy recommendations to address the migration of healthcare professionals and the fragility of medicine supply chains in Nigeria.