By Monsurat Abisoye
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on pharmacists across the country to desist from unethical practices, warning that such conduct undermines the profession and endangers public health.
The National Chairman of ACPN, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the 2026 Oyo State ACPN Annual Summit in Ibadan. He spoke on the theme “Beyond the Counter: Balancing Professional Ethics, Innovation and Sustainable Growth in a Changing Healthcare Economy,” stressing that ethics remain the core foundation of any profession. Ezeh warned against practices such as selling pharmacy licences, improper dispensing of medicines, unauthorised sale of antibiotics, and poor handling of controlled drugs, noting that such actions violate professional standards and could cause harm to patients and the image of pharmacy practice. The event was attended by notable stakeholders including former ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Aderemi Oladigbolu; Oyo State Chairman, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi; Pharmacist Rilwan Subair; and Pharmacist Bola Oyawole, among others.
In his remarks, Ezeh urged pharmacists to remain committed to their oath and uphold professional regulations despite growing infiltration of unqualified persons into the sector. He also advised members to avoid actions capable of damaging the credibility of the profession, insisting that adherence to ethics is essential for public safety and professional integrity.
Earlier, the Oyo State ACPN Chairman, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, encouraged practitioners to perform their duties without fear or favour amid evolving healthcare challenges. He noted that community pharmacists now operate under pressures from technological change, economic constraints and shifting healthcare demands, but must continue to balance innovation with ethical responsibility while building sustainable practices capable of thriving in a competitive health sector.
