 has introduced a new career advancement scheme aimed at transforming pharmacy practice and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.){kind=link}
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has introduced a new career advancement scheme aimed at transforming pharmacy practice and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.
The initiative was unveiled by the National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh, during a press briefing at the association’s national secretariat in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Pharmacist Day, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”
Ezeh explained that “the Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation initiative would standardize career progression ratings for community pharmacists at both national and global levels.”
He said, “The scheme was designed to create structured pathways for professional growth, talent retention, and quality assurance in patient services.
“Under the new structure, community pharmacists will progress through five clearly defined bands: Community Pharmacist, Senior Community Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist Specialist, Community Pharmacist Senior Specialist, and Community Pharmacist Consultant.”
According to him, the model emphasizes continuous professional development, networking, and collaboration, while also encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation.
“The benefits of this initiative will lead to improved health outcomes for the populace,” Ezeh said, noting that pharmacists are well-positioned to deliver value-based care that improves medication adherence, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Beyond career advancement, the ACPN Chairman reaffirmed the association’s call on Nigeria Government to designate community pharmacies at Primary Health Care centers across the country.
Ezeh stressed that community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients, offering free consultations, medication guidance, and disease management support.
He listed their critical contributions to public health, including participation in vaccination drives, health screenings, and awareness campaigns, as well as leveraging telepharmacy and digital health solutions to reach patients in underserved areas.
Ezeh emphasized that pharmacists play a pivotal role in policy advocacy, research, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to address health disparities and improve outcomes.
Marking this year’s World Pharmacist Day, he urged all pharmacists to seize the opportunity to demonstrate their collective impact and advance the case for greater recognition of community pharmacies as key components of Nigeria’s healthcare system.