New E-Pharmacy Policy Targets Fake, Unsafe Medicines
By STELLA JOHNSON OGBOVOVEH
Regulating a Growing Digital Space
THE Federal Government has inaugurated the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan to regulate online pharmacy operations and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system. The policy was unveiled in Abuja in collaboration with major health and digital governance stakeholders.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the initiative was designed to modernise pharmaceutical services and ensure Nigerians have access to safe, affordable and quality-assured medicines regardless of location.
From Fragmentation to Structure
Pate said the pharmaceutical sector had remained fragmented despite rapid digital transformation in other areas of the economy. He warned that weak oversight of online medicine sales had created opportunities for falsified drugs, unlicensed sellers and misleading health information.
The NEPP, he explained, provides an enforceable framework that introduces accountability across the pharmaceutical value chain while encouraging responsible innovation.
Key Features of the Policy
Under the policy, digital pharmacy platforms will be required to meet licensing and accreditation standards, while pharmaceutical products will be monitored through real-time tracking systems. The framework also prioritises improved access to essential medicines for rural and underserved populations.
The minister said the policy was developed through collaboration with PCN, NAFDAC, NITDA, NDPC and NCC to ensure proper digital governance and data protection.
Stakeholder Endorsement
Registrar of PCN, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, said the council was prepared to implement the policy, adding that necessary regulations had already been approved. Industry experts and digital health innovators at the event described the initiative as timely and expressed confidence that it would strengthen primary healthcare delivery nationwide.
