RismadarVoice Reporters
June 17, 2026
Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has underscored the growing role of community pharmacists in healthcare delivery, describing them as critical partners in advancing public health and patient-centred care.
The position was articulated by the State Chairman of ACPN, Pharmacist Donatus Adigom, during the opening of the association’s 5th Annual State Scientific Conference, Ibom Day 2026, held at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Empowering the Community Pharmacist: Expanding Roles in Public Health, Technology and Patient-Centred Care,” Adigom said healthcare services must increasingly move closer to communities, with pharmacists playing a central role in achieving that objective.
He noted that community pharmacists are no longer limited to dispensing medications but are now actively involved in preventive healthcare, health screenings, medication adherence programmes, immunisation advocacy, chronic disease management, patient counselling and public health education.
“The future of healthcare delivery must move closer to the people, and community pharmacists are central to making this happen,” he said.
Adigom urged pharmacists to embrace innovation, specialisation and continuous professional development to remain relevant in the evolving healthcare landscape.
On substance abuse prevention, the ACPN chairman highlighted the association’s anti-drug abuse campaign, culminating in the grand finale of an inter-school competition involving five finalist schools selected from more than 50 participating schools across the state.
He said the initiative reflects the association’s belief that prevention remains the most effective strategy for combating drug abuse among young people.
“The fight against drug abuse cannot begin at rehabilitation centres alone; it must begin in classrooms, homes, churches, mosques and communities,” he stated, adding that ACPN plans to establish Anti-Substance Abuse Clubs in secondary schools across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ekpema Aniekan Abasiattai, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), described community pharmacies as the most accessible public health facilities in society.
She cited studies indicating that patients visit community pharmacies significantly more often than primary healthcare physicians, making pharmacists vital frontline healthcare providers.
According to her, the profession has evolved from a product-focused practice to a patient-centred model that emphasises direct patient care and collaborative healthcare delivery.
“The community pharmacist of yesterday was known for selling and dispensing medications. Today, the role has expanded beyond dispensing to include direct patient care, advanced team-based care and patient-centred clinical services,” she said.
Abasiattai urged pharmacists to embrace training, proper documentation and collaboration to meet the demands of the digital healthcare era.
Chairman of the opening ceremony, Dr Magnus Nnaemeka Chukwukezie, South-South Regional Head of Keystone Bank and Founder of Everyday Foods Group, described community pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare professionals for millions of Nigerians.
He noted that pharmacists often serve as the first point of contact for healthcare advice and intervention, making their role indispensable in improving health outcomes.
Also speaking, immediate past ACPN Chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Pharmacist Tony Anderson, said the anti-drug abuse essay competition was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote preventive measures among students.
The conference featured lectures, exhibitions and awards to distinguished individuals in the healthcare sector.
At the climax of the anti-drug abuse competition, Master Kini-Abasi David of Divine Seed High School emerged overall winner with his essay titled “Protecting Akwa Ibom Youth: The Imperative for Anti-Substance Abuse Clubs in Secondary Schools.”
