National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Adekola, says over 20 of its members have been forced out of business since the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We have had a scenario where some pharmacies shut down operations. On average, we have over 20 pharmacies that have been forced out of business across the country this year. The ACPN chairman explained that the suspension of operations was a result of a number of factors, including the economic recession on account of the outbreak of the pandemic.
“Some of the drugs being used today for the treatment of COVID-19 are regular day-to-day products. Apart from face masks and, probably, hand sanitisers, the other products are regular ones people have been buying before. “When you also talk about the vaccine, it is another source of income. There is ongoing advocacy globally that community pharmacies should be maximised by the government to provide avenues to deliver the COVID-19.