The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring registered community pharmacists into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. At a briefing ahead of its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, National Chairman Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh said the integration would expand access to affordable care, secure medicine quality, and fast-track Universal Health Coverage. He noted that most Nigerians visit community pharmacies first, yet the current NHIA structure leaves them out.
According to the ACPN, using the country’s network of licensed pharmacies would reduce hospital pressure, cut out-of-pocket costs, and bring care closer to where people live. The association stressed that any rollout must follow a fair, transparent reimbursement model under the NHIA Act to protect providers and sustain the scheme. Pharm. Ezeh also warned against unlicensed medicine vendors, saying NHIA payments through regulated pharmacies would help curb fake and substandard drugs amid ongoing manpower and supply challenges.
Themed “Unity 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact – Managing Complex Political Systems,” the conference will hold July 27 to August 1, 2026 at the Abuja Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre. Expected guests include Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chairman of the event, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Conference Planning Committee Chairman Pharm. Chidi Dozie said delegates should expect exhibitions, policy sessions, and free medical outreaches across the FCT, with recommendations targeted at strengthening pharmaceutical practice and UHC in Nigeria.
