By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The Pharmacy Department of Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, joined pharmacists and healthcare professionals around the world on Friday, September 25, 2026, to commemorate World Pharmacists Day.
The annual celebration, observed globally on September 25, was held this year under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.” The theme, announced by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), focused on strengthening the capacity of pharmacists and recognising their growing contribution to healthcare delivery.
At the Igando hospital, the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise the important work of pharmacists in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, supporting patients and working alongside other healthcare professionals.
Pharmacists play an important role beyond the dispensing of medicines. Their responsibilities include promoting the rational use of medicines, supporting medication safety, monitoring adverse drug reactions, contributing to disease prevention and providing professional advice to patients.
The 2026 celebration also drew attention to the changing nature of pharmacy practice and the need for pharmacists to continue developing their professional knowledge and embracing innovation.
Across Lagos State, World Pharmacists Day activities included public health awareness initiatives and calls for greater investment in the pharmacy workforce. The Lagos State Ministry of Health also highlighted pharmacists’ contributions to disease prevention, health promotion, pharmacovigilance, antimicrobial stewardship and patient safety.
At the national level, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering pharmacists to provide quality, accessible and safe healthcare services to Nigerians. The ministry described pharmacists as among the country’s accessible frontline health professionals, with responsibilities spanning medicines supply, preventive care, chronic disease management and patient safety.
The World Pharmacists Day celebration therefore served as both a recognition of pharmacists’ contributions and a reminder of the need for continued professional development, innovation and stronger collaboration among healthcare workers.
As healthcare continues to evolve, pharmacists remain an important part of the team working to improve patient outcomes and promote safer and more effective use of medicines.
The celebration at Igando further provided an opportunity to appreciate pharmacists and other healthcare workers whose daily commitment contributes to the delivery of healthcare services to the community.
World Pharmacists Day 2026 — Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.
