ACPN cautions pharmacists against unethical practices and the sale of licenses

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged pharmacists nationwide to avoid all unethical practices in order to protect the profession and the public.

ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, made the statement on Tuesday during the opening of the 2026 Oyo State ACPN Annual Summit in Ibadan, the state capital.

The event 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 notable personalities.

Speaking on the theme, “Beyond the Counter: Balancing Professional Ethics, Innovation and Sustainable Growth in a Changing Healthcare Economy,” Ezeh described ethics as the core value of any profession.

Ezeh warned members against involvement in unethical practices such as selling licences and dispensing drugs incorrectly, noting that some pharmacists are selling their licences while others are dispensing drugs inappropriately.

The ACPN National Chairman said that unethical practices can harm both the profession and the public, and advised members not to engage in any actions that damage the profession’s image or harm patients.

Ezeh said, “Today’s theme is very important because it mentions ethical practice. When you talk about ethics, it means culture and tradition must work together. It is what guides us; it is the core value of the profession. When you graduate, you take an oath, which means you will work in accordance with the rules and regulations that guide the profession. You should do things that are good, that will not harm people or the profession. Some people sell their licences because a lot of people who are not pharmacists have invaded this profession.”

He added, “I have mentioned many unethical practices. When you, as a pharmacist, do not dispense what you are supposed to dispense, or you do it at the wrong time, it is unethical. Dispensing antibiotics when you are not supposed to dispense them is unethical. When controlled drugs that should be kept under lock and key are not, that is also unethical.”

Gbadamosi, in his welcome address, advised pharmacists to perform their roles without fear or favour amid many challenges.

He urged members to stay focused and abandon all unethical practices that could bring disrepute to the profession and to the practitioners themselves.

He said, “Today, community pharmacists operate in an environment shaped by evolving patient expectations, rapid technological advancement, changing healthcare policies, economic pressures and increasing demand for accessible and quality healthcare services. In the midst of these challenges, we must remain true to the ethical principles that define our profession while embracing innovation and building sustainable pharmacy businesses capable of thriving in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape.”