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By Doris Obinna
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has rejected claims that community pharmacies in the country operate as “provision shops” or engage in unlawful medical laboratory practices, saying such assertions are inaccurate and risk misleading the public.
Its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, in a statement responded to claims by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN). The association said it was concerned by the comments, noting that medical laboratory scientists have traditionally worked closely with pharmacists within Nigeria’s health sector.
The ACPN stated that where issues of professional boundaries or jurisdiction arise, they should be addressed through constructive dialogue rather than public statements capable of creating misunderstanding among healthcare professionals and the public.
Addressing the allegation that pharmacies conduct medical tests illegally, the ACPN explained that registered pharmacy facilities are permitted to carry out approved point-of-care testing. It noted that the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) encourages the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits in pharmacies to confirm malaria infection before the dispensing of antimalarial medicines, in line with the National Malaria Policy.
According to the association, this approach helps to prevent the indiscriminate use of medicines, reduce the risk of drug resistance and protect the effectiveness of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies, which remain the recommended treatment for malaria. The ACPN added that malaria accounts for a significant proportion of clinical visits in Nigeria, making such safeguards essential to public health.
The association further clarified that Nigerian law does not prohibit the registration of laboratory facilities within pharmacies, hospitals or as stand-alone medical laboratories, provided all regulatory requirements are met. It said some pharmacies have lawfully registered laboratories within their premises, while emphasising that pharmacies without such registration are not encouraged to engage in laboratory practice.
Reacting to comments suggesting that pharmacies in Nigeria operate as provision stores, the ACPN explained that pharmacies are registered under various categories, including retail, wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, importing and scientific offices. While some retail pharmacies may include supermarket sections, the association said this does not diminish their status as healthcare facilities.
The ACPN noted that internationally, integrated pharmacy and supermarket models are common, citing examples from the United Kingdom and the United States, where major pharmacy chains operate alongside retail outlets and, in some cases, laboratory services. According to the association, such models are designed to improve access, convenience and holistic healthcare delivery.
The pharmacists also expressed concern over statements that could be interpreted as dismissive of certain professionals working in laboratory settings, warning that such remarks could strain professional relationships within the health sector.
The ACPN stressed that it values collaboration among healthcare professionals and does not believe the comments attributed to the AMLSN leadership reflect the views of all medical laboratory scientists. It reaffirmed its commitment, as an affiliate of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), to working with all stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.
The association concluded by assuring Nigerians that community pharmacies remain recognised health facilities under the National Health Act 2014 and that relevant regulatory bodies will continue to ensure Good Pharmacy Practice across registered pharmacies nationwide.
