In a powerful call to action during the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. (Sir) Ike Onyechi, MD/CEO of Alpha Pharmacy & Stores Ltd and Chairman of the Ceremony, emphasized that embracing technology integration is crucial for community pharmacists to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

Represented by Pharm. (Dr.) Ignatius Anukwu, the Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Pharmacy, Onyechi's message resonated with attendees, compelling them to rethink their roles and invest in innovative solutions to enhance service delivery.

In his remarks, Anukwu expressed great pleasure in speaking on behalf of Onyechi to this distinguished assembly. He commended ACPN as a renowned association that embodies the essence of community practice in Nigeria. "Community pharmacists are indeed the face of community practice in Nigeria," he stated, acknowledging their dedication and unparalleled professionalism over the years.

Anukwu highlighted the vital contributions of community pharmacists, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when many hospitals and clinics closed their doors to the public. "Your services have continued to improve the health and well-being of the communities you serve," he remarked, celebrating their resilience and perseverance throughout their formative years and beyond.

He underscored the relevance of the conference theme, stating, "Your theme cannot come at a better time than now." As community pharmacists engage in increasingly complex operations, Anukwu stressed the importance of digitalization in various aspects of their processes. He noted that such advancements are essential for managing both the demand and supply sides of the business, as well as optimizing support structures, including human capital management, supply chain operations, finance functions, and regulatory compliance.

"Technology integration is the only way to go if your organization will engage in E-pharmacy, Tele-pharmacy, and all such innovative operations," he urged, emphasizing that these tools are critical for delivering quality services to the communities they serve.

Anukwu's remarks resonated strongly with the audience, setting a compelling tone for the conference and reinforcing the necessity for community pharmacists to embrace technology in their practice. As stakeholders gather to discuss the future of community pharmacy, the call for innovation and collaboration echoes throughout the event, highlighting a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.