The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to accelerate legislative action on pending bills affecting the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
The association made the call in a communiqué issued after its annual international scientific conference.
ACPN said reforms were required in drug procurement, distribution, professional training and regulation.
The pharmacists proposed the establishment of a National Drug Management Agency that would coordinate central procurement and manage the portion of the Basic National Health Provision Fund allocated to essential medicines.
The association also called for amendments to laws governing fake drugs and distribution channels.
It proposed the creation of a National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy to expand specialist training within Nigeria and reduce dependence on overseas education.
ACPN warned against legislative changes it believed could weaken the existing regulatory architecture for health professional councils and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
The association also expressed concern about the continuing migration of pharmacists.
It claimed more than 9,000 pharmacists had left Nigeria within two years.
According to the communiqué, poor remuneration, weak professional environments and declining academic capacity were contributing to the exodus.
The association urged government to integrate community pharmacies more fully into primary healthcare.
It said community pharmacies could provide access to essential medicines and support the management of uncomplicated health conditions, reducing pressure on hospitals.
ACPN also proposed pharmacy based services covering malaria counselling, antenatal support, family planning and smoking cessation.
Members were encouraged to improve documentation so the sector could generate stronger data for policy advocacy.
The association also urged pharmacists to participate more actively in public policy and politics.
It called for stronger regulation of drug stocking and dispensing across the entire pharmaceutical sector, including private hospitals.
