Nigerian Pharmacists Demand Sanctions Over Illegal Drug Distribution in Public Hospitals

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is calling for sanctions against pharmacists and companies involved in illegal drug distribution practices within public hospitals across Nigeria. The ACPN chairman, Pharm Ezeh Ambros Igwekamma, criticized the Federal Ministry of Health for allegedly ignoring unregistered private operators managing drug distribution activities in various public-private partnership arrangements.

Despite warnings from ACPN since 2020, the FMoH has failed to address the issue, leading to recurrent drug shortages and inconsistencies in public hospitals. The ACPN highlights successful pharmacist-led models like the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi as examples of effective drug management systems.