Provost of the College of Pharmacy at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Professor Mbang Femi-Oyewo has called for greater involvement of pharmacists in shaping healthcare policies. She believes this would help improve drug availability, strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, and promote the use of technology in healthcare.
Professor Femi-Oyewo gave this recommendation as the keynote speaker at the 7th Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy, held on November 21, 2024, at the University of Lagos.
The lecture, aimed at honoring the late Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun Afodu and his daughter, Mrs. Frederica Abimbola Omololu-Mulele, was centered on the theme: “Medicine Affordability and Accessibility in a Challenging Economy: The Role of Pharmacy Practice“
In her lecture, Professor Femi-Oyewo discussed the challenges of medicine affordability and access, particularly in Nigeria’s difficult economic climate.
She emphasized the role of pharmacists in addressing these issues through innovation and leadership in the healthcare sector.
The professor explained the different definitions of medicines and medication, highlighting how factors like drug prices, insurance coverage, and personal financial situations influence medicine affordability.
She also noted a World Bank report indicating that over 70% of health expenses in Nigeria are paid out of pocket, a significant barrier to accessing essential medicines.
Socio-economic factors, such as income, poverty, and social inequality, were identified as key determinants of medicine affordability, especially in developing countries. Professor Femi-Oyewo pointed out that weak healthcare infrastructure and high treatment costs contribute to poor access to essential medicines.
She also shared troubling global statistics, revealing that nearly 2 billion people lack access to essential medicines, an issue exacerbated by factors like unemployment, corruption, and a poorly diversified economy in Nigeria.
The accomplished Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology criticized Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medicines, which makes the country vulnerable to global health system fluctuations.
She urged pharmacists to focus on quality control, offer guidance on safe medication use, and monitor drug reactions. She also stressed the importance of promoting generic medications, which are more affordable, and working with manufacturers to reduce costs.
To improve access to medicines, Professor Femi-Oyewo called for greater collaboration between community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and healthcare providers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the annual lecture, Professor Oluwole Familoni praised the event’s intellectual contributions to the pharmaceutical field.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, he emphasized that the lecture helps advance knowledge and innovation in modern medicine.
Report: Akinola Afolabi
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
Below are pictorial highlights of the event 👇🏿
