The Chairman of the Community Pharmacists Association of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory branch, Aloba Isaac called on the government to create accessible, low-interest funding avenues for community pharmacists, emphasizing their vital role in job creation and economic development.

Isaac made the call at his inauguration as the association’s chairman in the FCT, and investiture and conferment of outstanding community pharmacists award, themed, “Organisational growth: Leadership as a panacea,” in Abuja on Sunday.

He noted that community pharmacists face increasing operational challenges due to economic instability and urged the government to support the sector through soft loans that would sustain businesses and empower job creation, particularly among the youth.

He added that direct government intervention with financial institutions to offer affordable credit facilities would go a long way in supporting healthcare delivery and boosting the economy.

“We need to find some soft ground for people that are contributing to the economy. We are contributing to the economy by giving jobs. The government should find a way to give us loans, economic funding loans. It is not about going to the banks because this leads us into the economic fluctuation, to even stock your premises is a challenge.

“So, if there is a way the government can empower or talk to the financial institution to find a way to assist us such that in reasonable digits, loans can be given out to people, then this is a way of honouring and sincerely giving back in a multiple way to our society,” Isaac stated.

He said his administration’s goals include sustaining youth employment, enhancing members’ welfare, and strengthening the association’s financial base.

“We have always been giving jobs to the youth, and we will continue to ensure that we empower our youth instead of them running around the streets, and we will ensure that we find a sustainable financial background for the association, such that we have investment policy for our members.

“Another thing that is very paramount is the welfare of our members. If you are not sound mentally, there is no how you want to serve your society, and you know community pharmacists serve the society, the person that wants to serve the society needs to be morally sound, physically sound, and financially stand. So, we will find a way to empower the welfare of one another. That is one. Then another thing is we ensure that each premises that you are seeing are so strong,” he said.

He also promised to foster unity among members and strengthen the business capacity of community pharmacies through proven business models and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

“My administration will ensure that all members are recognized and celebrated. We will strengthen community pharmacists buying power through tested and trusted business support models.

“We shall provide impactful and relevant knowledge to periodically enhance out practice expertise. Strengthening collaboration with other technical arms of our profession and with other healthcare professionals will be key to spotlighting the invaluable role of pharmacists in Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he added.

The keynote speaker, Dr Yusuf Dantalle emphasized the vital role of pharmacists in combating drug abuse, fake drugs, and ensuring public health, especially in an evolving, tech-driven world.

He called for visionary and ethical leadership from the newly inaugurated executive, highlighting qualities like integrity, teamwork, and commitment as essential for organizational growth.

“The need to prioritize patient safety and well-being cannot be overemphasized as human life is involved. The world is evolving as technology has made it a global village with people imbibing different cultures leading to drug abuse, drug trafficking and sales of fake drugs. Millions of fellow compatriots have died or in serious health conditions due to drug related issues.

“This is where the Pharmacist comes in, serves individual, community and societal needs. No wonder it is said that health is wealth. If we are not healthy we would not have been here today, a testament to how God has faithfully sustained us and uses people in the medical profession to care for the sick.

“Imagine a world without Pharmacists with all the dangers and ailments including COVID-19? It is the reason that Pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists must be encouraged to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and prioritize the best interests of patients, community and society.

“This will require effective leadership to motivate, sustain and accelerate the laudable works this great association has been doing in the FCT. The need for a visionary, resourceful, vibrant, dynamic and purposeful leadership cannot be overstated in any organization, association, institution and nation,” he said.

The outgone Chairman of the association, Pharm. Enejoh Amade Outgoing chairman, Pharm. Enejoh Amade, who served from 2022 to 2025, expressed gratitude to members, mentors, and family for their support during his tenure.

He encouraged community pharmacists to continue striving for excellence in their profession.


https://punchng.com/pharmacists-seek-low-interest-loans-to-boost-job-creation-economy/