PHARMACY PRACTICE STANDARDS AND CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Pharmacy practice standards and challenges in Nigeria constitute a critical area of concern due to their profound impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted landscape of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, highlighting prevailing standards and the array of challenges faced by pharmacists in their professional endeavors. Nigeria, like many other developing countries, grapples with a complex healthcare system marked by resource constraints, regulatory ambiguities, and evolving patient needs. Within this context, pharmacists play a pivotal role as frontline healthcare providers, responsible for ensuring safe and effective medication use. However, the absence of robust regulatory frameworks and standardized practices poses significant hurdles to the delivery of quality pharmaceutical care. This analysis examines the existing pharmacy practice standards in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of regulatory bodies such as the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) in setting guidelines and enforcing compliance. It also scrutinizes the challenges encountered by pharmacists, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential medicines, counterfeit drugs, and insufficient professional development opportunities. Furthermore, the analysis explores the impact of socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and healthcare disparities on pharmacy practice in Nigeria. It underscores the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical industry players, and professional associations, to address these challenges comprehensively. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of enhancing pharmacy practice standards in Nigeria to promote patient safety, optimize medication therapy outcomes, and advance public health objectives. By addressing the identified challenges and fostering a supportive environment for pharmacists, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its pharmacy workforce to meet the healthcare needs of its population effectively. Keywords:  Pharmacy, Standards, Nigeria, Practices, Review.