COMMUNIQUE OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS OF NIGERIA (ACPN), HELD ON THE 30TH APRIL, 2019 AT TAHIR GUEST PALACE, NASSARAWA GRA, KANO, KANO STATE

The National  Excecutive Council (NEC) of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is made up of The National Excecutive Committee and Chairmen & Secretaries of the Thirty Six (36) States and FCT Abuja Chapters of the Association.

NEC deliberated on contemporary issues in Community Pharmacy Practice, current national health industry matters  and the general state of the Country and came up with the following Resolutions.

1) NEC reviewed the unfortunate fate of the yet to be signed Pharmacy Bill 2017  with barely 25 days to the end of the 2015/2019 Buhari Presidency and the 8th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It observed with dismay that for a Country like ours which is bedevilled with the twin evils of drug abuse of epidemic proportion and fake drugs, it is unfortunate that the most potent legal instrument that can help to curb this menace is seemingly being treated with levity. After a careful evaluation, NEC resolved as follows:

i) That every community pharmacy practitioner in Nigeria will withdraw their services by closing down thier Pharmacies on Tuesday 7th May, 2019 between the 12.00hours and 14.00hours to draw the attention of President Mohammud Buhari GCOFR on the need to do the needful in public health interest.
ii) That each State branch of the Association should commence advocacy through media interactions to further sensitize the Federal Government of Nigeria on the need to uphold good Pharmacy practise for the citizenry as it is obtainable globally.
iii) That Pharmacists and other stakeholders in health be mobilized to Abuja for a peaceful march in support of this patriotic call for immediate assent of Mr. President to the Pharmacy Council Bill 2017.

2) NEC reviewed the level of effectiveness of regulatory and enforcement activities across the States. As a way of improving this, it mandated the National Executive Committee to broker stakeholder’s meeting between the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), PCN State Officers, Directors of Pharmaceutical services and the NEC of ACPN.

3) NEC deliberated on the chaotic Drug Distribution System in the country and agreed that the implementation of the National Drugs Distribution Guidelines (NDDGs) remains a viable panacea to chaotic drug distribution, proliferation of fake and counterfeit pharmaceutical products in the country. NEC observed with dismay that despite assurances from the Federal Government of January 2019 as take-off date for implementation, it is yet to take off. The NEC of ACPN therefore urged Government to do the needful to protect Nigerians.

4) NEC commended the management of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, especially its Registrar, for his efforts in conflict resolution and maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the leadership of ACPN but implored the council to double its efforts in closing down all open drug markets and illegal premises all over the country.

5) NEC congratulated the management of NAFDAC led by Pharm. (Prof) Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, FPSN, FAS on their 25th anniversary and commended the Director-General for the giant strides being taken to reposition the Agency.

6) NEC, however, observed the drastic increase in the use of narcotics, psychotropic substances and other related drugs by our youths and commended the Conference Planning Committee (CPC) for making this burning issue the theme of this year’s Annual National Scientific Conference for the Association billed to hold from 30th June-6th July, 2019 at the Afficent Event Centre, Nassarawa G. R. A, Kano with the theme “Tackling the menace of drug abuse: An innovative approach”.

NEC reiterated the need for the Federal Government to step up advocacy against drug abuse in print and electronic media in other to safeguard the future of the country.

7) NEC reviewed the level of insecurity in the country with special emphasis on kidnapping, abductions and wanton destruction of innocent lives and properties.  NEC therefore, commended the effort of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration in curbing this menace and urged all Nigerians to contribute their quota in support of government efforts to bring about reduction of the unfortunate situation.

8) NEC appreciates His Excellency, Gov. Umar Ganduje OFR,  the government and the good people of Kano State for hosting the ACPN meeting with its traditional hospitality.

                                                                                     
     Pharm Adekola O. Samuel MAW,                                                     Pharm. Abosede Idowu  
      National Chairman                    National Secretary