Nigeria launches pharmacy reform drive and free surgery program for hundreds

At a national pharmacy conference, healthcare strategist Dr. Adetutu Afolabi urged Nigerian pharmacists to shift from a “visibility problem” to measurable value. She highlighted global models that expand pharmacists' roles to prescriptive authority, vaccine administration, and population‑health management, and called for greater use of AI and data‑driven care to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.

In Ogun State, the First Lady Bamidele Abiodun inaugurated a free‑surgery initiative organized by the Ajose Foundation and a U.S. medical team. The programme aims to treat over 300 registered residents, offering procedures such as breast lump removal, fibroid surgery, knee and hip replacements, and orthopaedic corrections. By the launch, 26 patients had already received operations, with the effort supported by the state government to improve access to essential care for vulnerable populations.