Quackery: Community pharmacists vow stringent measures against illegal practitionersThe Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to partner with relevant regulatory agencies to enforce appropriate penalties against quacks posing as community pharmacists, and illegal premises in the FCT.
The chairman of the Abuja branch of the association, Pharm. Aloba Olatunji Isaac, made the promise during the inauguration ceremony of the new executive of the branch, on Thursday, in Abuja.
He said the association would engage in result-driven advocacy with sister agencies and regulatory bodies to secure a comfortable and satisfactory practice environment for all community pharmacists within the FCT and environs.
He said, ” Illegal outlets and charlatans who undermine our profession and threaten public health will be addressed decisively , with appropriate penalties enforced.”He said that his administration would prioritize welfare of members, foster unity among members and strengthen the business capacity of community pharmacies through business models and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
He said, “The strength of any association lies in the welfare of its members. It is is my utmost desire that our members thrive physically, mentally and otherwise, to remain relevant in the society that we serve through our pharmaceutical expertise.
“My administration will ensure that all members are recognized and celebrated. We will strengthen community pharmacists buying power through tested and trusted business support models,” he added.
Aloba also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s Policy Harmonisation Drive which is geared towards strengthening local production of medicines, drugs, and vaccines.
“We strongly support this initiative,” he said.
The immediate past chairman of ACPN FCT, Pharm Enejoh Amade, thanked members of the association for the opportunity to serve.
He said during his tenure, he engaged in training and retraining of community pharmacists and also pioneered the idea of organizing a first of its kind business summit which has been adapted by almost all state branches of the association.
The national chairman of the Inter party Advisory Council ( IPAC) Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, in his key note address, said the need to prioritize patients safety and well-being cannot be overemphasized as human life is involved.
