Pharm. Elechi Oyim, the National Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), underscored the critical role of pharmaceutical innovations in facilitating equitable healthcare during his goodwill message at the Committee of Heads of Pharmacy in Federal Health Institutions (COMHPFHI) Peer Review Meeting on July 30, 2025.
The event, held at De Peace Hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State, running from July 28 to August 1, gathered pharmacy leaders and stakeholders from across the nation to exchange ideas and review the current state of pharmacy practice within federal health institutions.
In his address, Pharm. Oyim expressed his honor and responsibility in delivering the message to esteemed colleagues, commending the leadership of COMHPFHI for sustaining this vital peer review platform. "This forum remains one of the most strategic professional gatherings where pharmacy leaders converge to share best practices and evaluate the trajectory of pharmacy practice," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in shaping the direction of pharmaceutical care in Nigeria.
He highlighted that the theme of the meeting, "Transforming Pharmaceutical Innovations to Facilitate Equitable Healthcare in a Challenging Economy," is timely and relevant given the economic constraints facing the nation. "As heads of pharmacy departments in federal institutions, we are not merely dispensers of medicines—we are policy influencers, change agents, and key players in the strategic transformation of healthcare delivery," Pharm. Oyim asserted.
He acknowledged the heavy burden that rests on pharmacy leaders to ensure the quality and accessibility of pharmaceutical care, stating, "Indeed, there can be no pharmaceutical care without drug availability." He called for leadership characterized by vision, competence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Pharm. Oyim expanded on the concept of pharmaceutical innovation, stating that it must go beyond new drug molecules. "It must encompass smarter service delivery models, patient-centered technologies, and data-driven decisions that promote efficiency," he explained. He urged attendees to remain resilient and explore innovations that could bridge the equity gap in healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for local solutions and less dependence on external systems in low-resource settings. "We must foster indigenous research, encourage local manufacturing, and build partnerships that support capacity development," he urged. "The time has come for Nigeria’s pharmacy sector to rise and lead boldly—adopting technologies, embracing digitization, and institutionalizing practices that ensure measurable outcomes."
As the meeting progressed, Pharm. Oyim encouraged participants to use the platform to inspire one another and generate actionable insights that would move the profession forward. "Let us leave here not just with reports and recommendations, but with a renewed commitment to drive change in our various institutions," he concluded.
In closing, he expressed gratitude to the organizers of the meeting, the host institution, and participants, urging them to fully engage in the discussions. "I wish you all fruitful, enlightening, and impactful sessions," Pharm. Oyim stated, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in achieving excellence in pharmacy practice within Nigeria.
