The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), has sealed 598 premises and arrested two vendors in Kaduna during a major enforcement drive against widespread drug regulation violations and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
PCN National Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Friday in Kaduna.
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Mr Chiroma said the operation which began on Monday, covered Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Makarfi, Kudan, Igabi, Chikun, Sabon Gari, Giwa, and Ikara local government areas.
He said 828 premises were visited during the four-day exercise, including pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and unlicensed outlets.
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Mr Chiroma explained that the 598 premises which were sealed, comprised pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and all unlicensed premises identified.
He equally said that two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act.
He, however, said that only nine per cent of inspected premises were operating unlawfully, indicating improved regulatory compliance.
He added that 28 per cent of the premises were fully compliant, while 45 per cent of pharmacies and 28 per cent of patent medicine shops meet required standards.
“The premises sealed were for offences including lack of valid licences, unauthorised clinical practices, improper stocking of medicines, illegal operations, restricted drug access breaches, and obstruction of inspectors,” he said.
Speaking further, he explained that the operation targeted unsafe medicine handling and illegal practices threatening drug quality, potency, and therapeutic effectiveness across the supply chain.
He added that the exercise forms part of efforts to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines while safeguarding public health and safety.
He explained that the council, established by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act No. 31 of 2022, regulates pharmacy education, training, and practice, including technicians and patent medicine vendors.
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Mr Chiroma said the council is mandated to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to ensure medicines move only through approved channels from production or importation to end users.
He added that the framework guarantees proper storage and handling, safeguarding the quality, potency, and therapeutic efficacy of medicines throughout the supply chain.
He noted that enforcement efforts are reducing unqualified handlers and poor storage conditions, strengthening the fight against fake and substandard medicines.
According to him, the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s universal health coverage agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He equally said that the reforms were driven by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, with support from PCN Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed.
Mr Chiroma said access to safe and quality medicines remains central to healthcare delivery.
He, however, lamented that inspectors uncovered substantial non-compliance, including vendors dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines beyond their authorised scope.
He warned that such practices pose serious risks to public health and safety if not addressed.
He assured that the council will sustain strict oversight to ensure only qualified personnel handle medicines and that safe, effective drugs reach the public.
He called on residents to patronise only licensed premises displaying valid approvals, and appreciated Kaduna residents for their cooperation during the exercise.(NAN)
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