ACPN Reaffirms Collaboration with Anambra State to Advance Health Reforms
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has strongly reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Anambra State government in advancing comprehensive healthcare reforms and significantly expanding access to safe, effective, and quality medicines for all residents. This renewed commitment was formally expressed in a detailed statement issued by the association, which also served to congratulate Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his successful re-election.
A Collective Triumph for Purposeful Leadership
In a joint statement released by the National Secretary of ACPN, Omokhafe Ashore, and the Chairman of the Anambra State branch, Felix Enendu, the association emphasized that the governor's re-election represents not merely a personal political victory but a profound collective triumph for the people of Anambra. It underscores widespread belief in his purposeful leadership and transformative governance approach.
The association further noted that this renewed electoral mandate clearly reflects the deep confidence and substantial trust reposed in Governor Soludo's administration. This administration has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to progressive, forward-thinking policies and people-centered reforms aimed at accelerating development across multiple critical sectors, including healthcare, education, innovation, and technology.
Alignment of Governance and Pharmaceutical Aspirations
The ACPN stated that the administration's core governance philosophy aligns closely with the fundamental aspirations of community pharmacists across Nigeria. This alignment is particularly evident in the shared goals of strengthening public healthcare systems and dramatically improving access to quality pharmaceutical products for the populace.
According to the association, the Soludo-led government has continued to inspire considerable optimism through various strategic initiatives designed to reposition Anambra as a premier hub of economic vitality and progressive, innovative leadership within the region.
Commendation for Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Sanitization
The association specifically commended the Governor's determined efforts to sanitize and regulate the pharmaceutical supply chain. This is being achieved through the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs), including the flagship project located in Oba.
It noted that this critical initiative is in perfect alignment with the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG). This policy framework is strategically aimed at eliminating the dangerous circulation of substandard and falsified medicines while simultaneously strengthening regulatory oversight within Nigeria's complex drug distribution system.
Praise for Bold Industrialization in Health Sector
ACPN further praised the administration's bold and ambitious industrialization agenda within the health sector. This includes the development of the massive 4,000-hectare Anambra Mixed‑Use Industrial City (AMIC) in Orumba, as well as the establishment of a dedicated, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical hub in Ogboji.
According to the association, these landmark initiatives are expected to powerfully stimulate local pharmaceutical manufacturing, promote intensive research and development activities, and strategically position Anambra as a leading destination for drug production and healthcare innovation throughout West Africa.
Recalling Support for Local Drug Manufacturing
Recalling the Governor's longstanding and vocal support for the pharmaceutical sector, the association highlighted his persistent advocacy for robust local drug manufacturing. He views this as a strategic pathway toward achieving genuine national drug security and pharmaceutical self-sufficiency for Nigeria.
It also referenced his proactive engagement with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, such as May & Baker Nigeria Plc, where he actively encouraged substantial investment in indigenous research and the successful commercialization of innovative therapies developed by Nigerian scientists and researchers.
Commitment to Supporting Healthcare Transformation
"As Governor Soludo begins another important chapter of dedicated service, the community pharmacy profession remains fully committed to supporting policies that promote meaningful healthcare transformation, strengthen pharmaceutical practice standards, and enhance public health outcomes for all citizens," the association firmly stated.
ACPN added that it eagerly looks forward to working closely and collaboratively with the Soludo administration. The goal is to nurture a vibrant, knowledge-driven economy and consolidate all efforts to transform Anambra into a major, recognized hub for pharmaceutical innovation and comprehensive healthcare development in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
