ACPN Calls on FG to Adopt Pharmacy First Initiative for Primary Healthcare

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the Federal Government to approve and invest in a Pharmacy First Initiative (PFI) as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and advance Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

The association said the initiative could position community pharmacies as accessible points for defined primary healthcare services, including the management of uncomplicated conditions, basic screening and health counselling, while helping to reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals.

The position was contained in a statement signed by ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose, and National Secretary, Pharm. Omokhafe Ashore.

Community pharmacies as primary healthcare partners

The ACPN said Nigeria should leverage the proximity of community pharmacists to patients by structuring community pharmacies to provide defined primary healthcare services.

According to the association, this should include improved access to essential medicines and the management of uncomplicated diseases within pharmacists' professional competence.

The association said the approach could help reduce the burden on higher-level health facilities while bringing selected healthcare services closer to communities.

Pharmacy-based clinics and screening

The ACPN also called for community pharmacists to expand services beyond medicine dispensing.

It proposed free basic screening for uncomplicated non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, alongside pharmacy-based clinics providing counselling and advocacy on malaria, antenatal care, family planning, smoking cessation and wellness.

The association stressed that such services should operate within pharmacists' professional competence and be supported by proper documentation and data generation.

It said evidence generated from community pharmacy services could strengthen advocacy and contribute to improvements in pharmacy practice.

Five pillars for healthcare transformation

The ACPN identified four gaps it said were hindering patient-centred care in Nigeria: policy and political leadership; evidence and digital transformation; quality and improvement; and collaboration.

It proposed five broad pillars for healthcare transformation:

• • One pillar, one vision

• • Quality that inspires trust

• • Digital first, data-driven

• • Primary care partners

• • Working with health insurers

The association also encouraged community pharmacists to explore investment opportunities, scale their practices and adopt modern professional and business models capable of supporting Good Pharmacy Practice.

Lessons from the UK Pharmacy First model

The ACPN pointed to the United Kingdom as an example of how community pharmacies can support healthcare access during periods of pressure on conventional health services.

The association referenced the role of UK community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic and cited subsequent government investment in community pharmacy services.

It also pointed to a £340 million NHS investment announced in May 2026 for expanded walk-in pharmacy treatment in England, describing the development as building on the Pharmacy First model.

The ACPN said Nigeria could learn from such international developments while adapting them to the country's healthcare needs and circumstances.

Call for federal policy action

The association called on the Federal Government to establish a Presidential Committee on the pharmaceutical sector to examine the Pharmacy First model and other reforms that could strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system.

The ACPN said successful international models could be adapted to improve access to essential medicines, strengthen primary healthcare and bring healthcare services closer to communities.

The proposal comes as the role of community pharmacies in primary healthcare continues to receive greater attention, including calls for pharmacy-based clinics and expanded community pharmacy services.

Sources

• Vanguard News – “ACPN urges FG to adopt Pharmacy First initiative for healthcare transformation”, 21 September 2026.