By Chiagoziem Abosi
In the competitive economic environment of Lagos’s bustling Ikeja neighborhood, pharmacists are playing a silent but important role in the fight for accessible, high-quality healthcare. These committed experts are coming up with creative solutions to guarantee that their communities have access to the necessary medications despite growing expenses and an unsteady economy.
Dedicated to Service and Quality
Mrs. Adetola Johnson, a local pharmacy owner whose pharmacy is at Awolowo Obafemi Road, is one such pharmacist who offered her thoughts on upholding good standards. She says, “No matter the economic situation, we can’t compromise on quality.” “Our patients rely on us for safe and effective medications, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
Mrs. Johnson’s Pharmacy makes significant investments in technology and staff training to maintain these standards. To make sure that every prescription filled complies with legal requirements, regular audits and quality checks are standard procedures. It’s an ongoing process of development. We maintain compliance with NAFDAC rules and stay up to date on the most recent pharmaceutical procedures,” she continues.
Preserving Drug Accessibility
Maintaining the affordability of pharmaceuticals is a persistent concern in a nation where the cost of living is rapidly rising. The cost of necessary prescription drugs has increased by almost twice in the last several years. A pack of amoxicillin, for example, used to cost about 500 Naira, but it now costs more than 1,000 Naira. Despite this, pharmacists such as Mrs. Johnson are figuring out how to make their patients’ lives easier.
Another pharmacist in Allen Avenue, Mr. Tunde Ogunleye, says, “We streamline our operations, buy in bulk, and negotiate with suppliers to cut costs.” We also take part in NGO and government initiatives that provide financial assistance for necessary medications. Ensuring our community has access to affordable healthcare is of utmost importance.”
Getting High-Grade Medication
The key to maintaining high standards without sacrificing affordability is judicious sourcing. Mr. Ogunleye emphasizes the value of forming alliances with reliable manufacturers and suppliers. We’ve developed solid bonds with each other throughout time. We use our combined negotiating strength to obtain the best deals without sacrificing quality when we join cooperative buying groups,” he explains.
Keeping Up with Industry Advancements
For these pharmacists, keeping up with the most recent advancements in pharmaceutical technology is essential. “We subscribe to professional journals, attend workshops, and network with other professionals to stay updated,” says Mrs. Johnson. “It’s essential to remain compliant with the latest guidelines and ensure our practices are effective.”
Keeping Patients Safe
Ensuring patient safety is critical in a nation where fake medications are a major problem. The emphasis is on “we only source medications from verified suppliers,” says Mr. Ogunleye. “We perform thorough inspections to keep fake medications out of our pharmacy. We can promptly resolve any issues thanks to our effective feedback system, which guarantees patient happiness.”
Profit and Community Needs in Balance
It’s a fine line to walk between affordability and profitability in healthcare. “We focus on operational efficiency and offer a range of generic drugs, which are more affordable than branded ones,” Mrs. Johnson states. “It’s about finding the right balance between making a profit and serving our community.”
Pharmacists, such as Mrs. Adetola Johnson and Mr. Tunde Ogunleye, are demonstrating tenacity and commitment by making sure that the community has access to reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare despite economic hardship. In difficult times, their dedication to maintaining the highest standards in spite of the circumstances is a ray of hope.
