Pharmacists in Lagos Urged to Embrace Data-Driven Tech for Better Healthcare
Community pharmacists in Lagos State have been strongly encouraged to adopt technology, foster collaboration, and implement data-driven strategies to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery throughout Nigeria. This urgent appeal was made during the 2026 Continuing Education Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), Lagos State, which was held under the theme "Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice through Technology, Collaboration and Expanded Services."
Emphasis on Technology and Collaboration
The three-day conference attracted widespread participation from pharmacists and various stakeholders, with a renewed focus on the critical roles of technology, data analytics, and collaborative efforts in advancing community pharmacy practice. The association actively encouraged its members to engage deeply, network extensively, and translate the knowledge acquired into tangible improvements in patient care and more integrated healthcare systems nationwide.
In his opening address, ACPN Chairman for the Lagos branch, Tolulope Ajayi, emphasized that the conference theme was exceptionally timely, given the rapid acceleration of technological advancements, the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making, and the growing necessity for cross-sector collaboration within the healthcare industry.
Ajayi urged pharmacists to deliberately scale their practices by integrating advanced technologies, providing robust pharmaceutical care, and actively participating in public health programs. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging capacity-building initiatives such as the Community Pharmacist Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI), the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) consultancy and residency programs, and specialized certifications in areas like vaccination and substance abuse management to enhance professional competence and improve patient outcomes.
Keynote Address Highlights Central Role of Pharmacists
Delivering the keynote address, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Njide Ndili, described community pharmacists as central pillars of the healthcare system who are often overlooked despite their vital contributions. She stressed that pharmacies frequently serve as the first point of entry for patients, underscoring the need for pharmacists to empower themselves with digital systems that effectively connect them to the broader healthcare network.
Ndili, who also serves as the Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, asserted that collaboration is equally essential, as no single sector can solve Nigeria's complex healthcare challenges alone. She urged pharmacists to work closely with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders to design inclusive systems that benefit all parties involved.
Furthermore, Ndili emphasized the importance of engaging young professionals in shaping healthcare policies, noting that their involvement is crucial for ensuring the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the pharmacy profession.
Addressing Prescription Errors and Medical Negligence
Addressing concerns about prescription errors and medical negligence, Ndili acknowledged that misdiagnoses remain a pressing and widespread problem in Nigeria. Citing her personal experience with her father's medical treatment, she underlined the urgent need for structured clinical protocols, quality improvement systems, and stringent regulatory oversight to ensure safe and effective medication use across the country.
The Critical Role of Continuing Education
On the role of continuing education, Ndili described programs like the ACPN conference as "extremely important," pointing out that medical knowledge evolves continuously. She warned that healthcare professionals who fail to update their skills and knowledge risk becoming obsolete in an ever-changing landscape.
Ndili particularly highlighted the growing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovations in pharmacy practice. However, she cautioned that AI systems must be trained on locally generated data to be effective and impactful in the Nigerian context. Without comprehensive digitization and the collection of Nigeria-specific data, she warned, AI adoption could prove inefficient and yield suboptimal results.
Call for Unity and Advocacy
Ndili urged community pharmacists to unite under the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria to advocate collectively for the sector. She stressed that collaboration, unity, and coordinated advocacy are vital to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare system and driving meaningful, sustainable improvements.
