PCN Seals 486 Pharmacies, Patent Medicine Stores In Niger

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 pharmacies and patent medicine store for contravening basic ethics of practice

The Head of Enforcement PCN headquarters, Dr Suleiman Ciroma told Journalists that those sealed were 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed shops in the state

Ciroma who was at PCN North-Central Zonal office in Minna after the inspection exercise in Niger State stated that one person was arrested and would be prosecuted for obstruction of PCN inspectors in the discharge of their duties.

He said the inspection was focused strategically on core areas of premises, personnel, pharmaceutical practice, and adherence to the ethics to ensure safe and standard service delivery.

Ciroma revealed that a total of 672 premises comprising 136 pharmacies, and 536 patent medicine stores were inspected within 9 local government areas including Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, Gurara respectively.

He maintained that the rigorous enforcement exercise would be held simultaneously across the country in order to ensure Nigerians have access to good medicine for compliance with the minimum standards for quality assurance.

Ciroma added that the inspection uncovered various regulatory breached including illegal operation of unlicensed premises, non-compliance with regulations, unauthorised clinical practice, sales of controlled drugs, training of apprentices, among others.