From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
In fulfillment of its mandates, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria(PCN), has sealed off no fewer than 486 pharmaceutical premises were sealed for allegedly contravening relevant regulations in Niger state.
Those affected include 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed shops in the north central state.
The Head of Enforcement PCN headquarters, Dr. Suleiman S. Ciroma made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the PCN North Central Zonal office in Minna after the inspection exercise in Niger state.
He stated one person was arrested and would be prosecuted for obstruction PCN inspectors in the discharge of their duties, while 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.
Suleiman Ciroma revealed that a total of 672 premises comprising 136 pharmacies, and 536 patent medicine stores were inspected within 9 local government areas to include; 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.
According to Ciroma, the inspection uncovered various regulatory breached including illegal operation of unlicensed premises, non compliance with regulations, unauthorized clinical practice, sales of controlled drugs, training of apprentices, among others.
The Head of Enforcement insisted that genuine pharmacies and PPMVs can be identified by the prominent display of their current licenses within their premises while urging the public to look out for this critical indicator of legitimacy.
He therefore, appreciated the cooperation of Niger state citizens for the successful exercise, aimed at eliminating unauthorized pharmaceutical premises and unqualified practitioners that will help to reduce the incidence of substandard and falsified medical products in the state and Nigeria at large.
