INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

The Role of Pharmacists in Strengthening the Health System in Nigeria

Habeebullah Oladipo

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin

Abdulbasit Muili

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin

Yusuf Rashidat

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin

Abdulmalik Rokibat

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v13i2.4763

Keywords: Pharmacy, Nigeria, Pharmacist, Health system, Community Pharmacy, Hospital pharmacy

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Abstract

The role of Pharmacists in healthcare has changed significantly over the previous half-century, from dispensing to providing direct patient-oriented services unrelated to dispensing. As a result, the pharmacy profession offers unique expertise to members of the profession with a distinct set of abilities that enable them to play a variety of roles in developing the Nigerian health system. Pharmacy and community pharmacists play an important role in the public health system by providing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication with professional counseling, participating in health care programs, and maintaining contact with other healthcare professionals in the health care system. In addition to being open to the public, pharmacists are responsible for the safe and effective administration of pharmaceuticals, participate in health screening and monitoring programs, and are responsive to the requirements and preferences of patients. Unfortunately, there are fewer studies on the roles that pharmacists play in improving the Nigerian health system. As a result, this study highlights some of the roles pharmacists play in strengthening the health system of Nigeria.