Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has officially launched a new ePharmacy platform aimed at regulating digital pharmaceutical services and improving the safety of online medication distribution across the country.
The initiative is designed to help Nigerians verify the authenticity of drugs purchased through online pharmacies, in response to growing concerns over counterfeit medicines and unregulated digital drug markets.
According to officials, the platform will serve as a central verification system that allows users to confirm whether registered pharmacies are licensed and whether specific medications meet approved safety standards before purchase or delivery.
The system is also expected to strengthen oversight of pharmaceutical services operating online, ensuring that only approved vendors are allowed to sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs through digital channels.
Health authorities said the move is part of broader reforms to modernise the healthcare regulatory framework and reduce the circulation of fake or substandard drugs, which remain a major public health challenge.
The government explained that the platform will be integrated with relevant regulatory databases to improve monitoring, enforcement, and accountability within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
It added that the rollout will begin in phases, with full nationwide coverage expected after initial testing and onboarding of verified pharmacies.
Officials further noted that the initiative is intended to increase public trust in digital health services while making access to legitimate medicines more convenient for Nigerians, particularly in urban centres where online healthcare services are expanding rapidly.
