Chief Executive Officer of Fanab Pharmacy and Stores, Pharmacist Maryam Mahmud Otuoze, has urged Nigerians to avoid self-medication and seek professional advice before using medicines to prevent medication-related harm and promote better health outcomes.
Otuoze, in an interview with Vanguard on Saturday, said pharmacists play a critical role in patient care beyond dispensing medicines, noting that they help protect patients, promote the rational use of medicines and contribute to public health.
She gave the advice in commemoration of the 2026 World Pharmacists Day, observed on September 25, with the theme, “Empowering Pharmacist for healthier futures.”
World Pharmacists Day highlights the contributions of pharmacists to healthcare delivery, including ensuring the safe and rational use of medicines, providing health education and supporting patients in making informed decisions about their health.
Otuoze said the day also provided an opportunity to recognise the importance of pharmacists in preventing medication errors, promoting responsible medicine use and strengthening healthcare systems.
According to her, the work of pharmacists extends beyond dispensing prescriptions to educating patients, offering professional guidance and helping to prevent avoidable harm associated with the use of medicines.
She stressed that members of the public should not take medicines simply because they had worked for another person, explaining that patients needed appropriate professional advice before using medication.
“My message to the public is simple: your health matters, and every medicine matters.
“Please do not self-medicate or use medicines simply because they worked for someone else. Always seek professional advice, take your medicines as prescribed, and ask questions whenever you are unsure,” she said.
The pharmacist urged Nigerians to develop the habit of consulting qualified healthcare professionals whenever they had concerns about their medicines, including how to use them, possible side effects and the appropriate dosage.
She also encouraged patients to follow prescriptions and seek clarification from their pharmacists whenever they were uncertain about their medications.
Otuoze said pharmacists remained important partners in healthcare delivery because of their roles in promoting medication safety, supporting disease prevention and providing health education and counselling.
She added that access to reliable information about medicines was essential to helping individuals make informed healthcare decisions and preventing complications arising from inappropriate medication use.
“Pharmacists are not just people who dispense medicines. We are healthcare professionals who are here to educate, guide, protect and support you throughout your healthcare journey,” she said.
She called for greater collaboration between pharmacists and members of the public to encourage responsible medicine use and improve health outcomes in communities.
“Let us work together to promote the safe and responsible use of medicines, prevent avoidable harm, and build a healthier community.
“Trust your pharmacist. Ask questions. Protect your health,” she said.
Otuoze reaffirmed the commitment of Fanab Pharmacy and Stores to supporting public health through professional pharmaceutical services, patient education and guidance on the safe use of medicines.
She urged Nigerians to make their health a priority by seeking professional advice and using medicines responsibly.
“Happy World Pharmacists,” she said.
