- CPAN Calls for Mandatory Multidisciplinary Care to Improve Medication Safety in Nigeria
- Calls for an independent investigation to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident
- Seeks development and enforcement of robust national protocols governing the use of high alert medications
The Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently reform existing healthcare policies by mandating multidisciplinary collaboration in medication management, warning that persistent gaps in the medication use process continue to place patients at risk nationwide.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the call was contained in a letter dated January 15, 2026, addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. The letter was signed by the association’s National Chairman, Dr Maureen Nwafor, and National Secretary, Dr AbdulMuminu Isah.
DITOR’S PICK
- FRSC Redeploys Senior Officers Nationwide to Strengthen Operations
- 2026 BECE Registration Begins as Lagos Moves Process Online
- Lagos Lawmakers Justify Demolition of Illegal Structures in Makoko, Oworonsoki
The appeal follows the widely reported death of the son of acclaimed writer Chimamanda Adichie at a Lagos hospital, a tragedy that has reignited national debate around patient safety, accountability and governance failures within Nigeria’s healthcare system. CPAN expressed deep condolences to the Adichie family, describing the loss of a child as a profound failure of the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.
While calling for an independent investigation to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, the association said the case highlights broader systemic weaknesses in healthcare delivery, particularly in high risk areas such as paediatric anaesthesia and critical care.
According to CPAN, global best practice consistently shows that patient safety improves significantly when healthcare delivery is anchored in structured multidisciplinary teams. The association noted that high alert medicines, including sedatives and anaesthetic agents, carry serious risks that cannot be effectively managed by any single professional group working in isolation.
The association cited extensive international and local evidence demonstrating the benefits of integrating clinical pharmacists into anaesthesia and critical care teams. Studies across different healthcare systems show that pharmacist involvement improves medication safety, optimises antibiotic use, reduces adverse drug events and delivers measurable cost savings.
CPAN also referenced Nigerian data, including findings from a recent study conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in the South South region. The study showed that clinical pharmacist interventions played a critical role in identifying and resolving drug therapy problems, leading to improved patient outcomes.
“Pharmacists’ involvement in critical care significantly reduces adverse drug events, mortality rates and length of ICU stay,” the association said, stressing that clinical pharmacists should be recognised as essential members of care teams rather than peripheral contributors.
Beyond clinical outcomes, CPAN highlighted patient acceptance as a strong driver for reform. According to the association, Nigerian studies show that patients recognise the expertise of clinical pharmacists and are willing to pay for enhanced clinical pharmacy services, including those delivered through chronic disease management and telehealth models. This, CPAN said, demonstrates both the practicality and sustainability of expanding pharmacist led care.
To address the systemic gaps exposed by recent events, the association urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement specific reforms. These include mandating the integration of clinical pharmacists into healthcare teams in all high risk areas such as paediatrics, anaesthesiology, intensive care, oncology and emergency medicine, across both public and private facilities.
CPAN also called for the development and enforcement of robust national protocols governing the use of high alert medications, particularly in paediatric care, with mandatory multidisciplinary involvement.
Other recommendations include strengthening hospital accreditation requirements to ensure active clinical pharmacy services, promoting inter professional education among healthcare trainees, and institutionalising clinical pharmacy practice through clear funding, recruitment and deployment frameworks across all levels of care.
The association said these measures would significantly reduce preventable medication errors, strengthen accountability and foster a culture of teamwork and safety within Nigerian hospitals.
By embedding medication expertise directly at the point of care, CPAN said Nigeria could move closer to building a resilient, patient centred and globally competitive health system.
“Honouring this loss requires more than sympathy. It demands courageous action,” the association said, adding that it remains ready to partner with government and other stakeholders to drive reforms that place patient safety at the heart of healthcare delivery.
FURTHER READING
- Trump Pushes for Greenland Deal Amid EU Tensions
- Anthony Joshua Crash Driver’s Trial Adjourned to February 25
- Firdaus Prayers Held in Honour of Erelu Aminat Dosunmu
Click here to watch video of the week
