PSN seeks enabling environments for pharmacists to utilize their skills in healthcare

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ogun State branch, has called on Nigerians to recognise the central role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery as the world prepares to celebrate World Pharmacists Day 2025 on Thursday, September 25 with the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”

A statement by PSN Public Relations Officer: Pharm. Babajide Otubanjo, on Wednesday ahead of the celebration, quoted the PSN Ogun State Chairman, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyesunlola Okunuga as describing the theme as a timely reminder of the pharmacist’s relevance in public health.

“This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of the pharmacy profession. Health is not merely about medicines, but about people, prevention, and partnerships, and at the centre of all these stands the pharmacist,” Okunuga said.

She emphasised that pharmacists are not just custodians of medicines but accessible healthcare professionals who provide trusted advice, prevent harmful drug interactions, administer vaccinations, manage chronic diseases, and lead health campaigns.

She also called for stronger policy support, as she urged the government and stakeholders to create enabling environments for pharmacists to maximise their skills.

The statement reads, “Every year on the 25th of September, the global community comes together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, a day dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of pharmacists to healthcare and society.

The 2025 theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” could not have been more timely or relevant.

It encapsulates the essence of the pharmacy profession and the growing recognition that health is not merely about medicines, but about people, prevention, and partnerships and at the center of all these stands the pharmacist.

Pharmacists are not simply custodians of medicines; they are accessible healthcare professionals who form the first point of contact for millions seeking trusted advice on their well-being.

They play a multifaceted role that extends far beyond dispensing prescriptions. From counseling patients on safe medicine use to preventing harmful drug interactions, from providing vaccinations and chronic disease management to leading health promotion campaigns, the pharmacist remains a vital partner in every stage of life’s health journey.

This year’s theme is a call to action whenever health is mentioned, let society instinctively think of the pharmacist as a solution provider.

In Ogun State, pharmacists have consistently demonstrated their relevance in diverse spheres of practice.

COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS serve as the closest healthcare providers to the grassroots, often bridging gaps in access and affordability.

HOSPITAL PHARMACISTS ensure patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes in clinical settings.

INDUSTRIAL PHARMACISTS drive innovation by producing quality medicines that meet international standards.

ACADEMIC PHARMACISTS train the next generation while contributing to groundbreaking research.

REGULATORS safeguard the public by enforcing standards that protect lives from counterfeit and substandard drugs.

Together, these professionals embody the vision of a healthier state and nation.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ogun State Branch, is proud to be part of this transformative role.

Over the years, the branch has championed initiatives to improve public health literacy, advocated for better integration of pharmacists into primary healthcare, and supported continuing professional development for its members.

Through outreaches, policy dialogues, and collaborations, Ogun pharmacists continue to place the patient at the center of their work. It is this spirit of service that makes the pharmacist indispensable to Nigeria’s pursuit of universal health coverage.

Yet, as we celebrate, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain.

Policymakers must create enabling environments that allow pharmacists to fully utilize their skills in all levels of healthcare.

Inter-professional collaboration must be strengthened so that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other providers work as one cohesive team in the patient’s interest.

The public must also take advantage of the pharmacist’s accessibility by seeking their expertise not only for medicines, but also for preventive health and lifestyle guidance.

By doing so, we ensure that health outcomes improve and communities become more resilient.

The message of this year’s World Pharmacists Day is clear: no health system can thrive without pharmacists. Behind every safe medicine is the pharmacist who ensures quality and proper use.

Behind every successful treatment plan is the pharmacist who provides the right guidance.

Behind every healthy community is the pharmacist who educates, advocates, and innovates.

To “Think Health” is to imagine a society where well-being is prioritized, and to “Think Pharmacist” is to recognize the professional who makes that vision a reality.

As Chairman of PSN Ogun State, I use this occasion to salute all pharmacists across the state and Nigeria for their commitment, resilience, and dedication.

Your daily sacrifices, though often unseen, are the backbone of healthier communities.

Let us continue to raise our voices, extend our impact, and remind the world that the journey to good health always passes through the pharmacist.

“Think Health, Think Pharmacist”.