In a bid to address the complexities and opportunities surrounding pharmacy practice in the pursuit of universal health coverage, the Heads of Pharmacy Units in the Lagos State Public Service gathered for a three-day summit at Orchid Hotels, Lekki. The summit, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, regulators, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals, served as a pivotal platform for robust discussions and exchanges of insights.
The theme of the summit, “Achieving Universal Health Coverage through New Trends in Pharmacy,” guided discussions that explored the transformative potential of emerging trends in pharmacy, including digital health technologies and e-pharmacy solutions. The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the critical role of pharmacy in healthcare delivery and underscored the need for collaboration, innovation, and excellence to achieve universal health coverage.
Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the transformative impact of new trends, particularly in leveraging digital health technologies to enhance healthcare access, especially in remote areas. She stressed the evolving role of pharmacists in promoting preventive and holistic healthcare approaches, urging collaboration with other healthcare providers and community engagement.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, echoed the call for collaboration and tighter regulations in the pharmacy sector. He emphasized the importance of the State Drug Revolving Fund (SDRF) and advocated for local solutions to address challenges facing the pharmacy sector.
Dr. Ogboye addressed issues surrounding prescription practices, calling for adherence to the essential drug list and discouraging arbitrary prescriptions. He urged hospitals to become comprehensive healthcare centers to eliminate the need for patients to seek medications elsewhere. Additionally, Dr. Ogboye emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement to combat fake drugs and unlicensed pharmacies.
The summit also addressed the lingering issue of consultant pharmacists, expressing hope for a resolution through continued engagement between leadership and stakeholders. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, highlighted the pivotal role of pharmaceutical services in primary healthcare delivery.
Encouraging active participation and fruitful dialogue, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Oyebisi Omolambe, urged attendees to leverage their collective expertise to inspire change in the pharmacy sector.
As the summit progresses, stakeholders hope for a shared commitment to drive transformative advancements in pharmacy and healthcare delivery in Lagos State. The collaborative efforts and innovative solutions forged during this gathering are anticipated to have a lasting impact on healthcare access and quality for all residents of Lagos State.
