The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the federal government to include registered community pharmacists in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, saying the move would expand healthcare access and strengthen Nigeria’s efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The association described the proposed integration as a major healthcare reform that would improve access to affordable medical services, promote medicine safety and guarantee the availability of quality medicines for Nigerians.
The call was made during a media briefing in Abuja to announce preparations for the ACPN’s 45th Annual International Scientific Conference scheduled for July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The conference, themed “Unity 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact – Managing Complex Political Systems”, is expected to attract policymakers, healthcare professionals, regulators, pharmaceutical industry stakeholders and international experts to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Speaking at the briefing, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, described community pharmacies as a vital pillar of primary healthcare delivery, noting that they remain the first point of contact for many Nigerians seeking medical attention.
He said the government could improve healthcare coverage by leveraging the existing nationwide network of licensed community pharmacies, thereby taking essential services closer to communities and reducing the burden on hospitals.
“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,” Ezeh said.
The ACPN chairman explained that including community pharmacists in the NHIA framework would reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, improve access to safe medicines and strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system.
He, however, stressed that the process must be supported by a transparent and equitable reimbursement mechanism that aligns with the provisions of the NHIA Act.
According to Ezeh, such a framework would promote fairness among healthcare providers, protect private-sector investment and ensure the sustainability of the national health insurance programme.
He also advocated policy reforms that would encourage innovation, expand public-private partnerships and create a more supportive environment for community pharmacy practice.
The ACPN leader noted that pharmacy practice has expanded beyond traditional medicine dispensing to include medication management, disease prevention, pharmaceutical care and other public health interventions.
He added that the association remains committed to improving professional standards through continuous training, research and capacity development programmes.
Ezeh warned Nigerians against buying medicines from unlicensed vendors, saying such practices contribute to the spread of counterfeit, substandard and falsified medicines.
“The public should obtain medicines only from registered pharmacies supervised by licensed pharmacists to ensure safety, quality and proper guidance,” he advised.
He maintained that integrating community pharmacies into the NHIA would strengthen medicine quality control by ensuring healthcare financing supports regulated pharmaceutical outlets.
The ACPN chairman said the reform was necessary at a time when Nigeria’s health sector faces challenges including healthcare worker migration, shortage of skilled personnel and weaknesses in medicine supply chains.
He argued that expanding the role of existing community pharmacies would provide faster healthcare improvements compared with relying solely on the construction of new health facilities.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the conference planning committee, Pharm. Chidi Dozie said preparations were underway to deliver a successful international conference, with specialised committees handling logistics, security, protocol, hospitality, exhibitions and scientific sessions.
Dozie said participants would benefit from technical discussions, professional exhibitions and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening collaboration among healthcare stakeholders.
As part of activities for the conference, ACPN announced plans to organise community health outreach programmes in the Federal Capital Territory, including free medical screenings, hepatitis awareness campaigns, vaccination exercises and other preventive healthcare services.
The association expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations capable of improving pharmaceutical practice, expanding healthcare access and positioning community pharmacists as key partners in Nigeria’s pursuit of universal health coverage.
