Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), called on the Nigerian government to revitalize and transform the countrys healthcare system into a leading hub for medical excellence across Africa.
He made this known at the ongoing 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark, which started on August 31, 2025, and is set to conclude on September 3, 2025. He expressed that in the past, Nigeria was a sought-after destination for individuals from other African countries seeking quality healthcare services.
Speaking to reporters at the congress, Ezeh emphasized the historical reputation of Nigeria's healthcare sector, stating, In the past, people from various African nations came to Nigeria to access healthcare services because of our robust medical infrastructure and skilled professionals. It is time for the government to recognize that potential and invest in our healthcare system to restore that status.
The FIP World Congress, held under the theme, Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation, aims to explore the evolving role of the pharmacy profession in the context of modern healthcare challenges. The congress will examine how pharmacists can enhance the performance of healthcare systems, foster meaningful collaboration across sectors, and catalyze transformative changes in health outcomes globally.
Ezeh's remarks align with the congress's objectives, highlighting the indispensable role that pharmacists play in transforming health systems. He noted, Pharmacists are not just dispensers of medications; we are vital partners in providing comprehensive healthcare solutions that can lead to better patient outcomes. By collaborating with government and other stakeholders, we can develop strategies to make Nigeria a beacon of health excellence in Africa.
As part of the congress, Ezeh participated in discussions and workshops addressing current challenges and innovations in pharmacy practice. With topics ranging from the integration of technology in healthcare delivery to enhancing educational pathways for pharmacy professionals, the congress provides a platform for sharing best practices and exploring collaborative solutions to pressing health issues.
During one of the panel sessions, Ezeh underscored the need for investment in pharmacy education and practice, asserting that improving the competencies of pharmacists is crucial for achieving richer health outcomes. Investing in our education and practice will not only empower the pharmacy profession but also benefit the communities we serve, he remarked.
The ongoing FIP Congress serves as a significant opportunity for global health professionals to collaborate and build partnerships aimed at enhancing health services worldwide. Ezeh's call for the government to elevate Nigerias healthcare to new heights resonated profoundly among attendees, as they collectively explored pathways to a healthier future for all.
With the congress set to conclude soon, the insights and commitments made by pharmacy leaders like Pharm. Ezeh highlight the crucial role of pharmacists and the urgent need for collective action to improve health outcomes both locally and globally.
