# Global expansion of pharmacist clinical roles

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-expansion-of-pharmacist-clinical-roles
> Updated: 2026-09-26T14:38:35.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

The expansion of pharmacist prescribing and clinical roles is gaining momentum across different regions. In England, the NHS is expanding its ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme to include treatment for conditions such as acne, migraines, and scabies to alleviate pressure on GPs and emergency departments. Similarly, New South Wales in Australia is trialing expanded practice scopes for community pharmacists, including the management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure and the administration of vaccinations.

In Nigeria, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has been advocating for a ‘Pharmacy First Initiative’ (PFI) to transform community pharmacies into primary healthcare hubs. This movement has progressed toward formal government recognition. During World Pharmacists Day 2026 in Abuja, the Nigerian Federal Government called for greater professional participation in preventive care, chronic disease management, medicines safety, and digital health services.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare identified pharmacists as highly accessible frontline professionals, aiming to integrate them into primary healthcare networks to address medicine availability, inappropriate use, and antimicrobial resistance. However, public health experts, including Dr. Olumide Obube, have noted that professional recognition must be accompanied by supportive regulation, appropriate financing, and technology to effectively improve medication adherence and achieve universal health coverage.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Nigeria expands role of pharmacists in primary healthcare

Nigeria is seeking to expand the role of pharmacists in primary healthcare, focusing on preventive care, medicine safety, and chronic disease management to strengthen the national health system.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-expands-role-of-pharmacists-in-primary-healthcare

### 2026-09-24: Nigerian pharmacists urge adoption of Pharmacy First Initiative

Nigerian pharmacy associations are urging the federal government to adopt the Pharmacy First Initiative to expand Universal Health Coverage and utilize community pharmacies as primary healthcare hubs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-pharmacists-urge-adoption-of-pharmacy-first-initiative

### 2026-09-09: NHS and NSW expand pharmacist prescribing powers

The NHS is expanding its Pharmacy First scheme in England to treat more common ailments, while New South Wales, Australia, initiates trials to allow pharmacists to manage chronic conditions and vaccinations.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhs-england-expands-pharmacy-first-prescribing-pathways

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Cite as: Global expansion of pharmacist clinical roles. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-expansion-of-pharmacist-clinical-roles