FG launches e-pharmacy regulations to strengthen digital health, curb fake drugs

The Federal Government has officially launched the Electronic Pharmacy (E-Pharmacy) Regulations, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening digital healthcare delivery, improving access to medicines and curbing the circulation of substandard drugs across the country. Launching the initiative in Abuja on Friday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, described the […]

The Federal Government has officially launched the Electronic Pharmacy (E-Pharmacy) Regulations, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening digital healthcare delivery, improving access to medicines and curbing the circulation of substandard drugs across the country.

Launching the initiative in Abuja on Friday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare reform and digital transformation agenda.

He said the regulations provide a comprehensive framework to guide the operations of e-pharmacy services in Nigeria, covering registration and licensing, prescription management, medicines distribution, data protection, and consumer safety.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises digitalisation as a pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

“This is a defining moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey. We are ensuring that pharmacy practice aligns with national and global realities of the 21st century,” the minister said.

He explained that the new regulations are designed to enhance transparency and traceability in the distribution of medicines, while also enabling effective monitoring and safeguarding public health.

Pate added that the framework would apply to all stakeholders in the e-pharmacy ecosystem, including operators, licensed pharmacists, healthcare providers, regulators and consumers.

“At the heart of these regulations is a clear vision to establish a safe, accessible and fully regulated national e-pharmacy ecosystem that leverages digital technology to improve health outcomes,” he said.

The minister warned that operators in the digital pharmacy space must now comply fully with the new guidelines, noting that the era of unregulated operations has ended.

“To e-pharmacy operators and technology companies, the era of operating in a grey area is over. Full compliance is expected. Those who comply will find a regulator who is a partner; those who do not will find an enforcer,” he said.

He urged operators to engage with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to obtain necessary licences and ensure their platforms prioritise patient safety.

Pate also sent a strong warning to individuals and organisations involved in the sale of fake or substandard medicines online, stressing that regulatory agencies are prepared to clamp down on offenders.

“We have issued a clear warning to those who would exploit the digital space to peddle substandard and falsified medicines. Our regulatory institutions are alert and resolute in their duty to protect Nigerians,” he said.

He further called on development partners, international organisations and investors to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s digital health sector.

According to him, the government is committed to building a world-class regulatory environment that supports innovation while ensuring safety and accountability.

The e-pharmacy regulations are expected to improve access to essential medicines, promote adherence through digital tools, and strengthen data-driven decision-making in the health sector.

Earlier, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, in his technical brief presentation said the regulations aimed to establish a comprehensive legal and technical framework for the registration, licensing, operations and oversight of digital pharmaceutical services.

He said one of the core objectives was to safeguard the public by ensuring that only persons with requisite knowledge and qualifications are involved online pharmacy practice.

Pharm Ahmed said the launch of the regulation would further provide the needed backbone for the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy, which is expected to improve medicines traceability, strengthen prescription regime, and expand the safe pharmaceutical access for both the underserved areas and the urban centres.

He said with E-pharmacy practice, patients can easily order online with convenience in which case, access to medicines is guaranteed 24/7.