ACPN urges FG to recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres
Pharmacists under the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have urged the federal government to formally recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres. ACPN National Chairman Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh made the call in a statement to Daily Post on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, arguing that pharmacies’ widespread presence at the community level makes them critical assets for achieving universal health coverage. He also urged the government to fully integrate pharmacists into grassroots healthcare and rural development initiatives to improve health outcomes nationwide.
The push matters because Nigeria’s healthcare system struggles with access, especially in rural areas where hospitals are scarce. Recognising community pharmacies as primary health centres would expand the frontline workforce, improve medication access, and strengthen preventive care without requiring new infrastructure. It could also ease the burden on overstretched hospitals and clinics by delegating routine care, vaccinations, and health education to trusted neighbourhood pharmacies.
For Nigerians, this means quicker access to basic health services, cheaper medication advice, and potentially better management of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. If the government acts, community pharmacies could become the first point of contact for minor ailments, health screenings, and referral to higher facilities. What steps should the government take to formalise this integration, and how can communities ensure pharmacies meet the required standards for primary care?