70% Of Nigerians Consult Pharmacists Before Hospitals, ACPN Reveals

About 70 per cent of Nigerians seeking solutions to health challenges visit pharmacists before before hospitals for medical care, according to the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN).

ACPN national chairman, Ezeh Igwekamma, made this claim during an interactive session with LEADERSHIP Friday in Calabar after delivering a speech at the 2026 Business Summit in Calabar yesterday.

Igwekamma called for an end to harsh business environment to enable practitioners of the profession to function effectively.

He stressed that pharmacists being the first point of contact for about 70% of Nigerians particularly those practicing in the rural communities, deserve better policies that can turnaround their businesses.

“We are critical stakeholders and therefore we deserve better policies”, he demanded.

Speaking on the theme “Tax Reforms: Impact on Community Pharmacy Practice,” Igwekamma called for initiation of policies that can make life meaningful for pharmacists.

He argued that pharmacists are often the first point of contact and provide first aid to 70% of community residents facing health challenges before they seek hospital care.

“Millions of Nigerians depend solely on community pharmacists daily, irrespective of the fact that the current economic climate is placing enormous strain on the profession,” Igwekamma said.

He added that friendly policies could ease the economic strain suffered by practitioners and create a better business climate.

Igwekamma lamented the burden of taxation, calling for a system that won’t overburden pharmacists. “70% of Nigerians access healthcare through community pharmacists before going to the hospital,” he said. “We are critical stakeholders in the health sector, and we need policies that reflect that role.”

He urged government to create incentives for pharmacists working in underserved communities, stressing that “a healthy population is the foundation of a strong economy.”

Earlier at the conference, Cross River State ACPN chairman, Mr. Iyke Okafor, averred that recent tax reforms have shifted the landscape and created uncertainty. “We are the first line of healthcare providers,” Okafor said. “Practitioners suffer when there are tax issues without clarity.”

Tax expert Akpanke Ogar, defended the reforms, saying previous laws were complex, stunted business growth, and failed to generate revenue.