Pharm (Dr.) Maureen Nwafor, the National Chairman of the Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN), highlighted the importance of integrating technology into pharmacy practice as a critical milestone for advancing patient-centered care.

She conveyed this message in her goodwill address at the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), held on July 23 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka.

In her address, Dr. Nwafor emphasized that the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven medication management, telepharmacy, and precision health tools, is essential for improving healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and therapeutic outcomes. "As the landscape of healthcare evolves, integrating these technologies is not just advantageous but necessary," she asserted, underscoring the transformative potential these innovations hold for community pharmacy practices.

She commended ACPN's leadership for championing the integration of technology, stating, "By positioning community pharmacists at the forefront of primary healthcare delivery, ACPN is paving the way for a new era of patient care." Dr. Nwafor also underscored the synergy between ACPN’s focus on personalized care and CPAN’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-specific interventions, affirming that pharmacists play a pivotal role in disease prevention and chronic care management.

As participants gathered in Awka, Dr. Nwafor expressed confidence that the conference would inspire actionable strategies for enhanced patient engagement and medication adherence. "This gathering provides an excellent opportunity for interprofessional collaboration, enabling pharmacists to leverage digital solutions for a stronger healthcare system," she noted.

In closing, Dr. Nwafor wished all attendees a dynamic, insightful, and transformative conference experience, emphasizing her hope that the event would catalyze innovation and reaffirm the essential role of community pharmacists in shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.