College Urges Mandatory Consultant Pharmacists to Curb Medication Errors

The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) has urged healthcare institutions to appoint consultant pharmacists without delay to enhance patient safety and reduce preventable harm.

The call was made by the Zonal Coordinator of WAPCP’s FCT Abuja Zone, Dr. Abubakar Danraka, during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 2025 World Patient Safety Day.

Dr. Danraka stated that consultant pharmacists are critical in mitigating medication errors through thorough reviews, prescription verification, and patient education. He highlighted their role in identifying drug interactions and allergies, which reduces adverse reactions and improves treatment efficacy.

The college commended eight federal agencies in the FCT that have already appointed consultant pharmacists, noting this has improved safety standards and collaborative care. However, it emphasized the need for universal adoption of this practice.

“Despite infrastructural limitations and career stagnation, our consultants have shown remarkable resilience,” Danraka said. He cited their development of safety protocols and use of technology as key innovations that optimize patient care.

The WAPCP also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to prioritize patient safety and implement the Patients’ Bill of Rights nationwide.

Citing alarming research, Danraka noted that up to 97% of adverse events in neonatal care are preventable, with high harm rates in paediatric intensive and general care settings. He concluded that prioritizing patient safety through roles like consultant pharmacists saves lives and strengthens health outcomes.