The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 486 pharmaceutical outlets in Niger State over multiple regulatory violations.
Dr. Suleiman Ciroma, Head of Enforcement at the PCN headquarters, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the council’s North Central Zonal Office in Minna, following an inspection exercise.
According to him, the affected premises included 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed operators. He further revealed that one individual was arrested for allegedly obstructing inspectors during the operation and will face prosecution.
According to him, 672 premises, including 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine shops, were inspected across nine Local Government Areas, namely Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja and Gurara.
He explained that the exercise focused on compliance with professional ethics, personnel, premises standards and pharmaceutical practice to ensure safe and quality service delivery.
The PCN enforcement head said the inspection revealed illegal operations of unlicensed outlets, unauthorised clinical practice, non-compliance with regulations, sale of controlled drugs and unapproved training of apprentices, among others.
He urged members of the public to patronise only licensed premises, which he said could be identified by the display of current licences.
Ciroma commended residents of Niger for their cooperation during the exercise, noting that the council’s nationwide enforcement would help check the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.