PCN seals 89 pharmacies, 409 patent medicines stores in Plateau

From Ado Abubakar Musa Jos

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed about 89 pharmacies and 409 Patent and Proprietor Medicines Vendors (PPMVs) for various offences in the Plateau State.
PCN is charged with the responsibility of regulating the education, training and practice of pharmacy in all aspects and ramifications in Nigeria.
Anthonia Aruya, Director Inspection and Monitoring Council disclosed this at the weekend while briefing journalists at City Lodge Hotel, in Jos.
Mrs Aruya explained that during exercise by her team in Plateau State, a total number of 711 premises comprising of 184 pharmacies and 527 patent and proprietor medicines vendors (PPMVs) were visited.
“About 498 premises were sealed comprising of 89 pharmacies and 409 PPMVs. And 13 premises comprising of seven PPMVs and six pharmacies were given compliance directives for various offences from improper handling of controlled substances, unhygienic environment and poor documentation, dispensing and prescription of drugs without the presence of pharmacies, “ Ayuba said.
Aruya also said during the exercise, no arrest was made saying that the committee is out to correcting people rather than punishing them.
She said the purpose of the inspection by PCN is to ensure that minimum standards of practice is followed and respected by all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
Aruya called on general public to buy their drugs from registered pharmacies.