The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has directed all community pharmacists to shut their pharmacies on Monday to protest delay in assenting to the Pharmacy Bill 2017.
It says the protest is to draw President Muhammadu Buhari’s attention to the bill, seen as strategic in fighting against drug abuse.
An executive council of the association issued the shut-down order after meeting in Kano.
“It is unfortunate that “the most potent legal instrument” that could curb drug abuse, “is seemingly being treated with levity”, the council said in a communique signed by its chairman Adekola Samuel and secretary Abosede Idowu.
“Every community pharmacy practitioner in Nigeria will withdraw their services by closing down their Pharmacies on Monday 6th May, 2019 between the 12.00hours and 14.00hours to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to do the needful in public health interest.”
The association also plans to mobilise pharmacists and stakeholders in health to Abuja for a march “in support of this patriotic call for immediate assent of Mr. President to the Pharmacy Council Bill 2017”.
