The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has asked for traditional medicine to be more included in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
They also asked the Federal Government to officially recognise community pharmacies as centres for primary healthcare.
This request was made on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 World Pharmacists Day celebration. The event followed the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacists,” as set by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Dr. Abubakar Danraka, who works with the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, said pharmacists are working to make herbal and traditional medicines safe and properly regulated.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Health already has a department for Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) is working on developing local herbal medicines.
“NIPRD is making sure herbal medicines are safe and meet standards. What is needed now is political support, legal approval, and funding,” Danraka said.
He also mentioned the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), which is led by a pharmacy professor and is helping to create herbal treatments for different health conditions.
Mrs. Salamatu Orakwelu, the PSN-FCT Chairperson, said World Pharmacists Day is a chance to show the important roles pharmacists play in healthcare.
She said pharmacists don’t just give out medicine—they also do research and make sure drugs are available, affordable, effective, and used properly.
She talked about the need for teamwork in the profession and pointed out some challenges like not enough staff and financial stress. Still, she said pharmacists remain dedicated to patient care.
Mr. Olatunji Aloba, who leads the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) in the FCT, repeated the call for community pharmacies to be officially seen as primary healthcare centres.
He said pharmacies are often the first place people go when they feel sick. Around the world, pharmacies already work like primary healthcare centres, and Nigeria should follow this example.
He added that community pharmacists check patients, offer quick care, and refer them to hospitals if needed. This helps reduce pressure on hospitals and improves patient care.
To celebrate the day, PSN-FCT organised a health walk and outreach programs in local markets and communities.
