PSN wants pharmacies recognised as PHCs, integration of herbal medicine
The FCT branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called for stronger integration of traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
It also urged the federal government to recognise community pharmacies as primary healthcare centres.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 World Pharmacists Day celebration, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacists,” as declared by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Abubakar Danraka, Abuja zonal coordinator of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), said pharmacists were leading efforts to standardise herbal and traditional remedies for safe use.
He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare already had a Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, while the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) was actively developing indigenous medicines.
“Drug development begins with ethnopharmacology, our communities’ knowledge. NIPRD is ensuring that herbal medicines are standardised and made safe.
“What we need now is political will, institutional support, legal backing, and funding,” he said.
Mr Danraka also cited the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), led by a pharmacy professor, as another key institution that formulates herbal treatments used for various conditions.
PSN-FCT chairman, Salamatu Orakwelu, said the World Pharmacists Day celebration provided a platform to spotlight the essential roles pharmacists play in healthcare delivery.
“Pharmacists are not just dispensers; we conduct research and ensure medicines are accessible, affordable, effective, and used rationally,” she said.
She stressed the importance of collaboration in the profession and highlighted challenges such as workforce shortages and financial pressures, while reaffirming pharmacists’ commitment to patient care.
Also speaking, Olatunji Aloba, chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), FCT chapter, renewed the call for community pharmacies to be officially designated as primary healthcare centres.
“Pharmacies are often the first point of contact for patients. Globally, they already serve as PHCs. Nigeria should adopt this standard,” he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Anti-Corruption
N1.8 billion was paid into my company account during ex-gov Darius Ishaku’s tenure, witness says
The witness said he received a total of 69 transfers from the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba.
States
Troops arrest suspected arms trafficker in Kaduna
Troops of the Nigerian Army arrested a suspected arms trafficker in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
World
EU to restrict children’s social media access among member states
She said the planned restrictions would be lifted gradually as children get older.
Lagos
Lagos official advocates greater inclusion of women in governance
She said women possess the competence, leadership qualities, and capacity required to contribute meaningfully to governance at all levels.
Africa
Ethiopia, Turkiye back Africa climate agenda
The cooperation aims to support inclusive climate action in Africa.
States
NAWOJ distributes cucumber seedlings to women journalists in Bauchi
“The initiative is designed to engage our members in farming activities, boost food production at the household level and encourage healthy living,” she said.
