By Nonye Muo
Pharmacists in Anambra State have joined their counterparts around the world to commemorate the 2026 World Pharmacists Day, calling for greater recognition of the important roles pharmacists play in patient care, medication safety and public health.
The annual celebration, held on September 25 under the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future,” was organised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Anambra State Branch, in collaboration with the Young Pharmacists Group, Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, Anambra State, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Anambra State, Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, Anambra State, and Association of Lady Pharmacists, Anambra State.
The activities included a health walk, free medical outreach, health education, radio discussions and public awareness campaigns, all aimed at bringing pharmacists closer to the people while promoting healthy living and responsible use of medicines.
Speaking during the activities, the Director of Pharmaceutical Company, Pharm. Obum Madike, said pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare delivery, especially in ensuring that medicines are used safely and effectively.
Madike explained that pharmacists provide professional counselling to patients on the proper use of medicines and advised members of the public to consult licensed pharmacists whenever they have concerns about their medications.
He also cautioned the public against obtaining medicines from unqualified persons, stressing the importance of sourcing medicines from licensed professionals to prevent medication-related problems and protect patients’ health.
Also speaking on the safe use of medicines in Nigeria, the Publicity Secretary of PSN, Pharm. Ifeanyi Alexander Ndupuechi, who represented the PSN Chairman, emphasised the need for responsible medicine use and proper guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
He urged members of the public to seek the right information before using medicines and avoid practices that could put their health at risk.
The celebration also highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare, with participants stressing that the profession goes beyond dispensing medicines to include patient education, disease prevention, medication safety and public health.
Pharmacy students and young practitioners also expressed their readiness to take on greater responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare delivery.
As part of the commemoration, pharmacists embarked on a health walk in Awka and organised a free medical outreach, where residents received basic healthcare services and health-related advice. The activities also provided an opportunity to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of medicines.
The 2026 World Pharmacists Day celebration in Anambra State provided an avenue to promote safe medicine practices, deepen public understanding of the pharmacist’s role and encourage continuous learning, collaboration and innovation among healthcare professionals.
Nonye Muo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
