Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

Pharmacy practice and education in general-as well as the availability, affordability, and accessibility of quality, safe, and effective essential medicines-are critical to the success of a health care delivery system. Since the 1990s, pharmacy practice and education in Nigeria have changed considerably. This chapter provides a general overview of Nigeria's health care system and broadly reviews the past, present, and future perspectives of pharmacy practice and education, including the challenges faced by the profession in key pharmaceutical subsectors and medicine supply and distribution. Pharmacy education in the country has undergone a modest transformation from a science-based curriculum to a blended science- and practice-based curriculum. Through the emergence of pharmaceutical care and collaborative drug therapy management globally, pharmacists in Nigeria have equally started engaging in patient-centered care with other health professionals as a team. Achievements and challenges during the last two decades are described. Considering the recommendations and ways forward, there is a need to promote interprofessional education and collaborative care at various levels, with an aim to harness the mutual integration and respect of health professionals into the healthcare processes to benefit patients and the health system. Again, the potential for pharmacists to be involved in public health intervention programs remains largely untapped. Conclusively, chaotic drug distribution system, professional complacency and conservatism, extrinsic system failures, and inadequate human resources for health remain challenging in Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector and the healthcare system. In the future, progressivity in developmental growth could augment rapid extension of pharmacy education and practice related to the increasing number of pharmacy graduates and pharmacists, use of information and technology system, and expansion of clinical and nonclinical services offered by pharmacists. Evidence-based information for policymaking and implementation might assist in advancing the pharmacy profession and practice in the country.