By Catherine Egwuom
The Medical Director, General Hospital Ebute Metta, Dr Folakemi Irewole-Ojo, says pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare delivery and should be empowered to improve patients’ outcomes.
Irewole-Ojo said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday during the celebration of World Pharmacists Day at the hospital.
World Pharmacists Day is observed annually on Sept. 25 to recognise pharmacists’ contributions to healthcare delivery and promote awareness of their roles in improving health outcomes.
The 2026 celebration focuses on empowering pharmacists to play a stronger role in healthcare, under the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”
Irewole-Ojo said pharmacists’ roles go beyond dispensing medicines, as they counsel patients, identify possible drug interactions and collaborate with doctors on appropriate medication.
She advised patients to desist from self-medication and called on pharmacists to always demand prescriptions before dispensing non-over-the-counter drugs, noting that pharmacists remain a crucial part of the healthcare team.
Mrs Adebukola Agboola, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, said pharmacists assist patients use medicines safely and effectively.
“When pharmacists are well empowered, patients receive better guidance, medicines are used more safely, and communities are healthier.”
Agboola said self-medication could cause wrong treatment, dangerous side effects, drug interactions, treatment failure and antibiotic resistance, urging patients to seek professional advice.
“We should not encourage self-medication at all. Because your pharmacist is here to help you. We are always available before taking any medicines, especially antibiotics and painkillers,” she said.
Some patients also commended the pharmacists and the facility for providing quality healthcare services and delivery.
Mrs Omotunde Yusuf, praised the pharmacists and the facility for the good services and care provided to patients.
Similarly, Mrs Mojisola Odunsayo, commended the pharmacists and the facility for their commitment to patients’ care.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Pharmacists Day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2009 to promote and advocate for the crucial role of pharmacists in improving global health. (NAN)www,nannews,ng
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
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