In line with the upgraded National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has released updated guidelines and laws governing the practice of pharmacy in the country.
In a letter addressed to the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, Prof. M.N. Sambo, and jointly signed by the National Chairman of the ACPN, Adewale Oladigbolu and the National Secretary; Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose, the association said it was necessary to update the NHIA about some paradigm shifts in the practice of pharmacy and most especially as it affects the operations of the NHIA which expectedly regulates and controls health insurance at the federal, state and private levels in Nigeria.
According to the letter, the guidelines would serve as a template for all pharmacists in the country to work with.
“We as representatives of Community Pharmacists in Nigeria find it necessary to draw your attention to this new act, in a bid to ensure Good Pharmacy Practice is enforced.
“In line with global best practices, the following new but salient provisions of law which will help the NHIA in coming up with lawful operational guidelines furtherance to rule of law in Nigeria have been passed.”
The ACPN further noted that it desires new tenets in the management of its relationship with the NHIA.
“Moving forward, we submit with a huge sense of responsibility that these terms and conditions will henceforth be grounded in compliance with all Acts of Parliament that are relevant in existing Pharmacy, Drug and Health statutes.
“We believe this is the minimum needed to reactivate our failing health system. In the spirit of our fellowship, we believe the director general and the patriotic staff at NHIA will make this happen in the public interest for consumers of healthcare in Nigeria.”
Some of the updates included laws about a pharmacy having an in-house pharmacist at all times to attend to patrons.
“Any place used for dispensing, selling, compounding, distribution, storage, stocking, retailing, wholesale, manufacturing, importation,the exportation of drugs and poisons, scientific offices or any other pharmaceutical activity shall be inspected and registered,byh the provisions of this Act,
“A person shall not own or operate a retail or community pharmacy practice unless the person is registered as a pharmacist under this Act.
“The Council may approve Satellite Pharmacy owned by licensed pharmacists who have a minimum of 10 years post-registration experience provided such Satellite Pharmacy is affiliated to a registered pharmaceutical premise for regulation and control.
“Every pharmaceutical premise is under the supervision of a Superintendent Pharmacist.
