As efforts to improve public health continue across Nigeria, former Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Delta State Chapter, Pharmacist Dave Oghoyon, has called for urgent measures to curb the activities of unqualified individuals in the pharmaceutical profession.
In an interview on Monday, April 7, 2025, Oghoyon emphasized the vital role pharmacists play in grassroots healthcare. He described pharmacists as the “closest and first point of contact for many people seeking medical help,” particularly in rural communities.
Expressing deep concern over the prevalence of quackery, Oghoyon warned that unlicensed practitioners are endangering lives by providing incorrect medications and misleading patients. He stressed that their actions have had a damaging effect on public health, especially among vulnerable populations at the grassroots.
He outlined the responsibilities of professional pharmacists, noting that they not only dispense drugs but also educate patients on proper usage, ensure correct prescriptions, and refer patients to appropriate healthcare facilities when necessary.
Addressing the theme of the 2025 World Health Day, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” Oghoyon focused on maternal health, urging pregnant women to seek professional medical advice early in pregnancy. He highlighted the importance of expert care in ensuring healthy outcomes for both mother and child.
Oghoyon also raised concerns about the widespread abuse of Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs, calling for stricter regulations to control their distribution. According to him, easy access to OTC medications has contributed to avoidable health issues, including untimely deaths and miscarriages.
He concluded by urging government agencies and health authorities to strengthen enforcement against quackery, and to invest more in public awareness and regulation, in order to protect lives and uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical profession.
