Prof. Azuka Okparah, the keynote speaker at the 26th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), emphasized the urgent need for equitable pharmaceutical care as a fundamental component of global health equity. He made this known at the opening ceremony of the conference, held on August 5, 2025, at the SIO Event Center in Benin City, Edo State.
In his address, Prof. Okparah highlighted the profound challenges posed by disparities in access to healthcare products and services, stating, “We are living in an era of rapid technological changes and healthcare challenges that continue to undermine global health equity and justice.”
He acknowledged that global health systems strive towards achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that no patient is left behind, and called for innovative pharmaceutical care practices to address these disparities.
Prof. Okparah referred to a 2020 report by the AHAPN, which defined pharmaceutical care in Nigeria as “the collaborative provision of medication therapy by the pharmacist that is patient-centered for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve or maintain a patient's quality of life.”
He pointed out that the need for pharmaceutical care in healthcare systems arises from the high prevalence of issues stemming from inappropriate medication use, citing a 2016 US study that estimated annual costs of drug-related morbidity and mortality at approximately $528.4 billion, equivalent to 16% of total US healthcare expenditures that year.
He described the vital components of equitable pharmaceutical care that must be prioritized, including providing fair access to medications for all patients, whether they are outpatients or inpatients, and regardless of their geographical location. Furthermore, he delineated the scope of pharmaceutical care into primary, secondary, and tertiary practices, emphasizing the importance of pharmaceutical services in various healthcare settings.
Among the solutions discussed by Prof. Okparah were Lifestyle Management, Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM), and Medication Therapy Management (MTM), which collectively work towards optimizing therapeutic outcomes for patients with chronic diseases. He stressed that pharmaceutical care must evolve from traditional dispensing roles to embrace a more holistic, patient-centered approach that aligns with other healthcare professions.
Innovation, according to Prof. Okparah, is crucial for enhancing pharmaceutical care delivery. He remarked that, “Innovation can be an invention or an improvement to add value and meet social needs,” emphasizing that it is not merely about new ideas, but also about developing knowledge systems rooted in critical thinking and practical applications.
He discussed the transformative potential of advancements such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in the pharmaceutical sector, positing that these innovations can significantly enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
In a compelling call to action, he encouraged pharmaceutical professionals to embrace their responsibilities and adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare. He concluded his address with an inspiring message about the future of pharmacy, asserting that “as long as mankind takes medicines, there will always be a future for pharmacists.” He urged attendees to be vigilant advocates for their profession, urging them to “sell your lab coat to get a sword” and be ready to defend the integrity of their field.
Prof. Okparah’s address resonated with participants at the conference, setting a robust tone for the ongoing discussions on innovation, collaboration, and the vital role of pharmacists in promoting equitable healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
