The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged pharmacists across the country to shun all forms of unethical practices capable of undermining the integrity of the profession and endangering public health.
The ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, gave the warning on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Oyo State ACPN Annual Summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The summit, which focused on the theme, “Beyond the Counter: Balancing Professional Ethics, Innovation and Sustainable Growth in a Changing Healthcare Economy,” was attended by the immediate past ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Aderemi Oladigbolu; ACPN Oyo State Chairman, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi; Pharmacist Rilwan Subair; Pharmacist Bola Oyawole; and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
Ezeh described ethics as the foundation of every profession, stressing that pharmacists must uphold the values and regulations guiding their practice.
He cautioned members against unethical acts such as selling professional licences, improper dispensing of medicines, and the careless handling of controlled drugs, noting that such practices could damage the reputation of pharmacists and expose members of the public to serious risks.
According to him, the growing involvement of non-professionals in pharmacy practice has made it more important for pharmacists to protect the integrity of the profession.
He said, “Today’s theme is very important because it highlights ethical practice. Ethics is the culture and tradition that guide a profession; it is the core value of what we do.
“When you graduate as a pharmacist, you take an oath to practise according to the rules and regulations guiding the profession. You are expected to do things that will not harm the people you serve or damage the profession.
“Selling your licence is unethical because many people who are not pharmacists have invaded the profession. Dispensing medicines wrongly, including antibiotics when they are not required, is also unethical. Controlled drugs must be properly secured and managed in line with professional standards.”
In his welcome address, the ACPN Oyo State Chairman, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, charged pharmacists to remain committed to professional excellence despite the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
Gbadamosi urged members to avoid practices capable of bringing the profession into disrepute, adding that community pharmacists operate in an environment influenced by changing patient expectations, technological advancement, evolving healthcare policies, economic pressures, and increasing demand for accessible quality healthcare services.
He stressed the need for pharmacists to balance ethical responsibilities with innovation and sustainable business practices in order to remain relevant in a competitive healthcare environment.
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