By  Katsina Times | April 11, 2026

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Electronic Pharmacy Regulation Platform (E-Pharmacy) to enhance the safety and regulation of online healthcare services in Nigeria.

The platform, developed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), is aimed at overseeing digital pharmaceutical services and improving public health outcomes.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, described the initiative as a significant step toward building a world-class regulatory framework for pharmaceutical practice in the country.

He noted that pharmacy regulation in Nigeria had faced challenges for over three decades, expressing optimism that the new platform would strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability in the sector.

According to him, the initiative will enable evidence-based monitoring of pharmaceutical activities while promoting innovation and investment in healthcare.

“This launch reflects our commitment to leveraging technology in the service of health, safety, and human dignity,” Pate said.

He added that the platform would help establish a safe, accessible, and well-regulated national e-pharmacy ecosystem driven by digital innovation.

Earlier, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of PCN, Ibrahim Ahmed, said the urgency to regulate online pharmacy operations became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahmed explained that the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools and e-commerce in healthcare, exposing inefficiencies in pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly in Africa and Nigeria.

He noted that the Electronic Pharmacy Regulations 2026 provide a comprehensive legal and technical framework for the registration, licensing, operation, and supervision of digital pharmaceutical services.

He added that the framework would ensure compliance with ethical standards and safeguard patient safety in the delivery of online pharmacy services.

(NAN)