The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 733 pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and illegal outlets in Delta State as part of its efforts to sanitize Nigeria's drug distribution system. The enforcement exercise, which took place over four days, covered five local government areas out of 25 in the state. The PCN aims to ensure that pharmaceutical premises are operated by qualified personnel and that patent medicine vendors adhere to their approved scope of practice.
According to Suleiman Chiroma, PCN Head of Department, Enforcement, the sealing of premises was part of a structured, phased enforcement exercise aimed at curbing the unauthorized sale and distribution of ethical and controlled medicines. The exercise is ongoing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Chiroma stated that the PCN's Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, has directed the sustenance of continuous and sustainable enforcement exercises.
During the enforcement exercise, the PCN inspected a total of 930 premises, comprising 191 pharmacies, 400 patent medicine stores, and 339 illegal outlets. The team found that 733 premises were operating outside the law, including 81 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 339 illegal outlets. Seven compliance directives were issued to premises that had minor infractions.
Chiroma revealed that illegal premises accounted for 36.5% of all facilities sealed due to one or more regulatory breaches. Among licensed operators, 58% of the pharmacies inspected were in full compliance with regulatory standards. In comparison, 22% of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor outlets were also found to be compliant. The PCN aims to enhance monitoring to ensure that all premises comply with regulatory standards.
The PCN has warned that all premises involved in the handling, storage, and dispensing of medicines will henceforth be under strict and sustained regulatory supervision. Any violation of extant laws and regulations will attract prompt and appropriate enforcement sanctions in line with the law. Chiroma advised the public to obtain medicines exclusively from PCN-licensed premises, which display a valid, current license as proof of authorization to operate.
The enforcement exercise in Delta State is part of the PCN's efforts to ensure continuous access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines for the Nigerian populace. The council expressed its appreciation to the government and people of Delta State for their cooperation and support during the enforcement exercise. The PCN believes that sustained collaboration with all stakeholders is critical to achieving its objectives.
The PCN's enforcement exercise in Delta State has resulted in significant compliance, with 733 premises sealed for operating illegally or violating regulatory standards. The council will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with regulatory standards to ensure that the Nigerian public has access to quality-assured medicines. The PCN's efforts aim to promote a safe and regulated pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.
Key points
- The PCN sealed 733 pharmaceutical premises in Delta State for operating illegally or violating regulatory standards.
- The enforcement exercise covered five local government areas in Delta State and resulted in the issuance of seven compliance directives.
- The PCN aims to ensure continuous access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines for the Nigerian populace through sustained collaboration with stakeholders.
