ACPN Hosts 43rd Annual Conference, Harps on Fostering Innovation and Collaboration in Community Pharmacy Practice

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for innovation and collaboration as a way of advancing community pharmacy practice worldwide.

This was stated at the opening of the 43rd annual conference of the Association, held on Tuesday at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Oyo State. The event had esteemed guests and pharmacology’s crème de la crème in attendance, including Oyo State Governor Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.

In his keynote address, Governor Makinde highlighted the establishment of the Oyo State Drug Management Agency, aimed at ensuring efficient procurement, distribution, and management of pharmaceutical and medical supplies across the state. He emphasized the significance of this initiative in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and upholding quality care for all citizens.

The Governor encouraged ACPN members to embrace innovation and collaboration to address challenges in community pharmacy practice in Nigeria. He envisioned a future where every Nigerian has access to quality pharmaceutical care, with community pharmacists empowered to deliver exceptional service standards.

Furthermore, Governor Makinde urged ACPN to ensure free, fair, credible, and safe elections to enthrone God-fearing and progressive leaders who prioritize the well-being of Oyo State citizens.

In her address, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye said that Community Pharmacists are the first point of call in Nigeria for primary healthcare needs, and this put them at the forefront serving as the bridge between the patients and the healthcare system.

Professor Adeyeye reiterated that the conference served as an avenue for Community Pharmacists, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to network and share knowledge and also chart a course for the future of their practice worldwide.

She said,

“This conference provides a key opportunity for us to exchange knowledge, chart a course for the future of community pharmacy practice worldwide and also collaborate”

She, therefore, charged Community Pharmacists to leverage the evolving technological development to further create quality and affordable healthcare for all.

The conference, Oluyole 2024, chaired by Pharmacist Grace Ikani, had Remi Adeseun, Global Director of Salient Advisory as the keynote speaker. The conference also pledged to be a transformative event in strengthening ties between community pharmacists and the State Government.