Pharmacists Serve as First Healthcare Contact for 70% of Nigerians — ACPN

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has disclosed that nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians first seek medical advice and treatment from pharmacists before visiting hospitals.

The National Chairman of ACPN, Ezeh Igwekamma, made the disclosure during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar after speaking at the 2026 Business Summit, which ended yesterday.

Igwekamma called on government to create a more favourable business environment for pharmacists, especially those operating in rural communities, noting that they remain the first point of healthcare contact for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, community pharmacists play a vital role in providing first aid and basic healthcare services before patients proceed to hospitals for further treatment.

Speaking on the theme, “Tax Reforms: Impact on Community Pharmacy Practice,” he stressed the need for policies that would support the growth and sustainability of pharmacy businesses.

He maintained that harsh economic realities and multiple tax burdens are affecting practitioners and limiting their ability to effectively serve communities.

“We are major stakeholders in the healthcare sector and deserve policies that recognise our contributions,” he stated, adding that millions of Nigerians depend daily on community pharmacists for healthcare services.

Igwekamma further advocated incentives for pharmacists serving in underserved areas, arguing that improving healthcare delivery is essential for economic growth and national development.

Earlier, the Chairman of ACPN in Cross River State, Iyke Okafor, said recent tax reforms have introduced uncertainty into the profession, stressing that pharmacists often bear the consequences of unclear tax regulations.

A tax consultant, Akpanke Ogar, however defended the reforms, explaining that previous tax laws were too complicated, hindered business expansion and failed to maximise revenue generation.

Also speaking, Ndubuisi Nwoko cautioned pharmacists against poor record keeping, warning that inadequate documentation could deny them access to available benefits.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Egbe Ayuk, highlighted ongoing reforms in the state’s drug management system and revealed plans to establish a drug management agency.