SGF Akume Commends Pharmacists at ACPN Conference

During the Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, praised community pharmacists for their role in improving access to quality medicines. He urged them to ensure that pharmaceutical products are safe, effective, affordable, and of high quality.

Akume highlighted the government's recent initiatives, including an Executive Order that suspends import duties, taxes, and Value Added Tax on pharmaceutical raw materials and medical equipment, aimed at reducing domestic production costs and lowering medicine prices. He noted ongoing challenges in rural areas where access to affordable medicines remains limited.

Akume called on community pharmacists to intensify efforts against counterfeit drugs and participate in disease surveillance. At the conference, a new National Executive Council was elected, with Pharm.

Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma as National Chairman. Igwekamma pledged to strengthen the association and urged the government to implement conference resolutions to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.