In a significant move aimed at enhancing access to pharmaceutical services, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) officially commissioned a new Pharmacare Centre in Umuawulu town, Awka South Local Government Area, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. This landmark event coincides with the 44th Annual Scientific National Conference, tagged "IFEADIGO," marking a new era of accessible healthcare for the community and beyond.
The Pharmacare Centre is purpose-built to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the Umuawulu community, a region that previously relied heavily on the city for quality medicare and medicines. The ACPN's commitment to addressing these disparities is reflected in this new facility, which aims to enhance health outcomes through the Community Pharmacy Expansion Scheme.
The commissioning event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, represented by Dr. Afam Obidike, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Anambra; Pharm (Dr.) Nnadozie Godwin, Special Adviser to the Governor on Medications and Pharmaceuticals; HRM (Dr.) Joel Mmaduadichie Egwuonwu, Igwe of Umuawulu 11; Rev. (Dr.) Benjamin Odika, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Parish Umuawulu; Pharm Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman of ACPN; Pharm (Prince) Adewale Oladigbolu, immediate past National Chairman of ACPN; other industry stakeholders and community members.
In his opening remarks, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, who hosted the event and expressed gratitude for the occasion, stated, "It is with great humility and profound gratitude to God that I stand before you today to witness and participate in this landmark event, the official commissioning of the Pharmacare Centre in Umuawulu Community. This isn't just a building; it is the dawn of a new era in accessible patient care and community pharmaceutical care for the people of Umuawulu and beyond."
Ezeh celebrated the commissioning as a "dream turned into reality, an investment in health, wellness, and hope," and acknowledged the visionaries and stakeholders whose efforts helped realize this initiative. He commended the dedication of pharmacists, healthcare professionals, community members, and benefactors for their role in bringing the project to fruition.
"The Pharmacare Centre we are commissioning today represents a progressive model of pharmaceutical care—an integrated hub where professional advice, essential medicines, health screenings, medication counseling, and preventive care will be offered under one roof," he added, reinforcing the ACPN's mission to transform community pharmacies into trusted, accessible, and proactive public healthcare institutions.
Ezeh called for collective responsibility in bringing healthcare closer to underserved areas, urging the community to embrace ownership of the centre. "To the people of Umuawulu, this centre belongs to you; it is here to serve you. I urge you to take full ownership of it, support it, protect it, and use it. Do not wait for illness to drive you to a pharmacist," he stated.
He also encouraged his fellow pharmacists to innovate and expand their roles: "Let us continue to rise beyond traditional ways of dispensing medications; let us embrace innovation, patient engagement, technology-driven services, and community outreach that truly transform lives."
The commissioning was formally conducted by Dr. Afam Obidike, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, on behalf of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. This significant event not only marks the opening of the new Pharmacare Centre but also sets a strong foundation for improved healthcare delivery in the Umuawulu community and surrounding areas.
As the ACPN continues to stand by its slogan, "To empower the community pharmacist and protect the people," the new Pharmacare Centre is anticipated to create a lasting impact and serve as a beacon of excellence in pharmaceutical care.
