Emerging Roles of Pharmacists as Independent Prescribers in Nigeria: Lessons from Europe and the Americas

Abstract

With Nigeria's increasing burden of chronic diseases, limited access to primary care physicians, and rising healthcare costs, there is an urgent need to explore innovative models that can improve healthcare access and quality. Expanding the role of pharmacists to include independent prescribing authority is one such strategy. We will review international experiences—mainly from Europe and the Americas—in which pharmacists have successfully integrated independent prescribing roles into patient care. The evidence indicates that pharmacist-independent prescribing enhances accessibility, reduces physician workload, improves medication management, and improves health outcomes. Drawing on these examples, we argue that Nigeria should consider emerging pharmacist prescribing roles as a key component in strengthening its healthcare delivery system.