By Chioma Obinna

Experts have urged Community pharmacists to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations to ensure efficiency and profitability.

Delivering a keynote address during the 2nd edition of the Business Summit organised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ikeja Zone, themed: “Redefining Community Pharmacy: Leveraging Documentation, AI, and Emerging Trends for Impactful Practice,” Pharm. Timeyin Ogungbe emphasised the need for pharmacists to adapt AI-driven solutions.
Ogungbe popularly known as ‘Aunty Pharmacist,’ stressed that AI’s potential goes beyond routine operations, but presents an opportunity to “mine the wealth” hidden within the daily documentation pharmacists generate often overlooked.

According to her, data gathered from pharmacies can be transformed into valuable customer insights, which, when analyzed using AI, can guide business decisions, streamline operations, and ultimately increase revenue.

Ogungbe stressed the importance of digitalising pharmacy data.

She noted that AI tools could convert traditional documentation into actionable business insights, helping pharmacists tailor their operations to meet customer needs.

“Without AI, pharmacies risk falling behind,” she cautioned.

“AI allows businesses to perform tasks faster and more efficiently, turning what used to take an entire day into something done in just one hour.”

She further emphasised AI’s speed and efficiency by sharing a personal experience: “With AI, I prepared a presentation that would typically take an entire day in just one hour.”

This speed, she added, gives businesses a significant competitive edge.

Ogungbe encouraged pharmacists to view AI not as a replacement but as an assistive tool.

She advocated for a balance where AI handles the bulk of repetitive tasks, allowing pharmacists to focus on maintaining their unique personal touch in customer service and business operations.

“AI should do 70 percent of the work, and the human touch will complete the remaining 30 percent.”

Speaking, Chairman of the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria, HCPAN, Lagos, Pharm. Abiola Paul-Ozieh, highlighted the importance of continuous learning and capacity building for community pharmacists.

“This summit is crucial because it provides a platform for community pharmacists to learn and grow together,” Paul-Ozieh explained.

“We cannot stay in our premises and think we know everything. It’s forums like these that help us stay updated and share experiences.”
She stressed the importance of staying ahead in an ever-evolving field. “You must be ahead,” she asserted.

“Today’s customers, especially the younger generation, may have already Googled their symptoms before coming to the pharmacy. If we are to remain relevant, we must embrace AI tools and other technological advancements. These tools will not only improve our service but ultimately attract more business.”

In his lecture on “Financial Planning for Financial Freedom,” Head of Retail Sales at Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Temitope Afolabi, emphasised that the basic steps to financial planning include identifying goals, reviewing financial status, developing a financial plan, implementing strategy, and monitoring progress.

Also speaking, Zonal coordinator of ACPN Ikeja Zone, Pharm. I made Roy-Ekekwe, praised the summit for its timeliness and relevance.

She noted that the topic was not only apt but also timely, as community pharmacists in the zone are expected to grow alongside emerging trends.

Roy-Ekekwe added that this year’s theme, focused on artificial intelligence (AI), was a response to the growing global adoption of AI in businesses. “AI is transforming industries around the world, and we believe it’s crucial for community pharmacies to embrace these technologies to stay competitive,” she said.

“Our goal is to explore how AI tools can improve productivity, streamline documentation, and ultimately convert these efficiencies into increased revenue,” Ekekwe explained. “That’s why the theme for this year’s summit is ‘Redefining Community Pharmacy: Leveraging Documentation, AI, and Emerging Trends for Impactful Practice.’”

Ekekwe acknowledged the issue but stressed the wide gap between trained professionals and charlatans. “The difference between us and those who practice without training is clear. Pharmacists focus on providing quality care based on knowledge and training. Our goal is always to serve the community, ensuring their health and well-being.”