ACPN Faults AMLSN President Over Comments on Pharmacy Practice
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has strongly criticized a press statement credited to Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, the President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), describing it as misleading, inflammatory, and unbecoming of interprofessional collaboration in the health sector.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh and the National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore expressed shock over what it described as an “unwarranted outburst” from Dr. Ifeanyi, noting that the AMLSN has historically been a traditional ally of organized pharmacy in Nigeria.
The association stated that it had expected a more professional engagement if there were concerns over jurisdictional boundaries within healthcare practice.
Dr. Ifeanyi was quoted as alleging that community pharmacies in Nigeria conduct medical tests unlawfully and equating pharmacies to provision shops, claiming that all pharmacies in the country double as such.
Reacting to the allegations, the ACPN dismissed the claims as inaccurate and uninformed. According to the pharmacists’ body, registered pharmacy facilities are permitted to carry out point-of-care testing, a practice endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). The association explained that the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RDTs), particularly for malaria, is in line with the National Malaria Policy, which mandates confirmation of malaria infection before dispensing antimalarial drugs.
The ACPN noted that such practices are safeguards against drug misuse and resistance, especially malaria, which accounts for over 65 percent of clinical visits in Nigeria.
The association emphasized that these measures help preserve the effectiveness of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), the recommended drugs for malaria treatment.
The pharmacists further clarified that Nigerian law does not prohibit the registration of laboratory facilities within pharmacies, hospitals, or as standalone establishments. As such, some community pharmacies have lawfully incorporated laboratories into their practice. However, the ACPN stressed that pharmacies without registered laboratories are not encouraged to engage in any unlawful testing, in strict adherence to the National Health Act of 2014, which recognizes pharmacies as health facilities.
On the claim that pharmacies operate as provision shops, the ACPN described the assertion as a gross misrepresentation. It explained that pharmacies in Nigeria operate under various categories, including retail, wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, and scientific services. While some retail pharmacies may include supermarket sections, this practice aligns with global standards.
Citing international examples, the ACPN noted that major pharmacy chains in the United Kingdom and the United States—such as Boots, Tesco, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart—integrate supermarkets and laboratories within their pharmacy models to provide one-stop healthcare solutions. The association said that combining pharmaceutical care with access to nutritious food supports better therapeutic outcomes.
The ACPN also took exception to comments attributed to Dr. Ifeanyi that allegedly disparaged graduates of biological sciences working in laboratory facilities, describing such remarks as reckless and capable of inflaming tensions within the health sector.
The association stated that it does not believe Mr. Ifeanyi’s comments reflect the views of the broader community of Medical Laboratory Scientists, whom it described as progressive partners in healthcare reform. According to the ACPN, the comments suggest a lack of professionalism and do not advance the development of medical laboratory science in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the ACPN reassured the public that it remains committed, alongside relevant government regulatory bodies, to ensuring Good Pharmacy Practice across registered pharmacies in Nigeria, in the interest of patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.