The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has declared that no Nigerian law prohibits pharmacies from operating registered in-house laboratory facilities.
Reacting to claims by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) that pharmacies were conducting illegal medical tests, ACPN leaders described the allegation as misleading and unnecessary. They stressed that existing laws permit interested stakeholders to lawfully register laboratories within pharmacies, hospitals, or as standalone facilities.
ACPN maintained that pharmacies without registered labs are not encouraged to carry out unlawful tests. Citing the National Health Act 2014, the association noted that pharmacies are recognised health facilities, with some legally incorporating laboratories.
The body also referenced directives from the Federal Ministry of Health allowing pharmacies to conduct point-of-care testing, including malaria rapid diagnostic tests, to prevent drug misuse and resistance. ACPN warned that misinformation could harm collaboration within Nigeria’s health sector.
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