2020 most challenging year with COVID-19, says pharmacists

National Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has described 2020 as the most challenging year in recent time as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

President of the association, Dr. Samuel Adekola, who spoke at the 39th National Conference of the Pharmacists held in Abuja, said the challenge was more felt in the health sector than any others in the nation’s economy.

Adekola in his speech at the conference tagged, “Unity 2020”, described the year as a very challenging one for the nation as the health sector of the nation was stretched to its limit amidst the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordimg to him, the year was one of struggle for survival of every Nigerian, saying “it is to our greatest relief that we were able to survive this global ordeal without having to sacrifice more in the process.”

He, however, applauded the role played by the members of the association during the lockdown and also tasked government at all levels to work towards maximizing the untapped potential of community pharmacists in the nation.

In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Health, Professor Osagie Ehanire stressed the need for all health professionals to work towards addressing the fundamental health challenges of the people.

He reiterated the readiness of the President Buhari-led administration to involve ACPN members in its journey to universal health coverage.

Ehanire also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the ACPN in primary healthcare delivery.

He appreciated ACPN for its qualitative efficacious delivery of primary health services in the country.

He assured the gathering of President Buhari’s administration plan of scaling up primary healthcare centers in the country, to one per political ward.

He equally urged the association to scale up commitment towards ensuring quality services in the primary healthcare and to also enlighten the people on avoidance of abuse of anti malarial and anti bacteria drugs.

The event climaxed with presentation of awards to certain distinguished individuals who have dedicated themselves to advancing qualitative health care service delivery in the country.

Some of the awardees were the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, the Former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwanso, Senator Sadiq Umar, Senator Matthew Aikagboriodion and late Chief Rufus Folorunso Giwa

ACPN President, Dr Samuel Adekola was also honoured by the Arewa Youth Forum with the Ahmadu Bello Leadership Award for his contributions towards peace in the country.