Chioma Obinna

A  group of US-based Nigerian professionals inspired by the late Professor Dora Akunyili over a decade ago, have  invested in the nation’s pharmacy industry. In a chat, they told  Good Health Weekly, that pharmacy care in Nigeria has been bedevilled with so many challenges including the fact that most pharmacy outlets are run by quacks.

Speaking at the unveiling of the UBA Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited’s first outlet in Awoyaya, Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Usman Idodo, said the introduction of the American concept of pharmacy and customer service, was intented to make patient care a priority.

“Our mottos for the pharmacy is “Care is our Word”. We intend to care about the patient, staff and the community. We are taking holistic approach to care. When you come into the pharmacy we want you to have confidence whatever you buy be it prescription or any other article is authentic.

The Pharmacy is introducing mini clinics for High Blood Pressure, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses. At the clinic patients could have physician come in the evenings and get diagnosis for minor treatments and prescription and there will be pharmacist on duty at all times.

He said 60-70 percent of Nigerians do not have access to quality healthcare, would be made available and affordable.

“Pharmacy care in Nigeria is not where it needs to be.  Most Nigerian pharmacies have no in-house pharmacist at all times which is a crime. You cannot find that in the Western world. Every pharmacy should have a pharmacist at all times. We intend to keep to the rules of prescription.

Joe Okolo, an engineer,  disclosed that a complete diagnostic e-laboratory was being planned to check misdiagnosis.  “We will be collaborating with colleagues in America to ensure proper diagnosis which is a problem in this part of the world.”

As I speak, my licence for Pharmacy is not  ready even though the preliminary inspection was completed almost a year ago, and I  notified the authorities that I was ready to open almost three months ago, now that we are doing our grand opening without the licence.

I paid PHCN N2.605 million for my transformer over eight months ago, I don’t have electricity. Challenges in Nigeria are things we find easy in America.

On his part, Executive Director, UBA Pharmacy, Engr. Stan Athekame said the establishment of the Pharmacy became necessary to replicate standards of healthcare delivery available overseas.

The Pharmacy will be introducing e-medicine and e-commerce that is  developed to be like mobile banking.

“You will be able to get your prescription drugs from your smart phones, make orders and it will be delivered. We will be a brand you will know and identify within the new Lagos courtesy of the present administration.”

He said the pharmacy will be in every part of Lagos within five years. “We intend to run delivery, drive e-commerce, we are also going to organise free screening and awareness programmes for the community every week.