The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the Federal Government to investigate and sanction what it described as widespread illegal drug distribution practices in federal hospitals.

In a statement on Friday, ACPN National Chairman Pharm. Ezeh Igwekamma accused some pharmaceutical companies and their superintendent pharmacists of running unregistered pharmacy operations within Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), sometimes with the consent of hospital management and regulatory bodies. He warned that such practices are undermining patient care and public trust.

Igwekamma criticized the Federal Ministry of Health for allegedly permitting questionable Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, which he said threaten the effectiveness of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) mechanism, established under Decree 43 of 1989. He cited the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, as a successful example of pharmacist-led management that has been eroded by irregular PPP models in hospitals including UCH Ibadan, UDUTH Sokoto, AKTH Kano, National Hospital Abuja, NAUTH Nnewi, and JUTH Jos.

The association accused the hospitals and private partners of violating the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022 and sections of the Public Procurement Act 2007, noting that more than 20 pharmacy premises currently operate unregistered under PPP arrangements.

ACPN has directed superintendent pharmacists involved to regularize their status by the end of 2025 or face disciplinary measures, with further sanctions possible under the Consumer Protection and Trade Malpractices Act.

“We must restore legality and professionalism to Nigeria’s drug distribution system. The health of our people depends on it,” Igwekamma stressed, reiterating the association’s commitment to ethical practice, local drug production, and protection of DRF funds.