Writing By Khadijah Aliyu Editing By Godwin Duru
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 821 pharmaceutical premises across Kano for breaching regulations guiding the sale and distribution of medicines.
Head of Enforcement at the Council, Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this during a press conference held at the PCN State Office in Kano.
He said the four-day enforcement exercise covered eight local government areas, including Kano Municipal, Gwale, Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Tarauni, Ungogo, Dala, and Fagge.
According to him, a total of 1,140 premises were inspected during the operation.
These included 114 pharmacies, 869 patent medicine stores, and 166 illegal outlets.
Dr. Chiroma explained that 68 pharmacies, 587 patent medicine stores, and all 166 illegal outlets were sealed for various offences.
In addition, ten compliance directives were issued, while one operator was arrested for obstructing inspectors and gross violation of the PCN Act.
He further revealed that the Council permanently shut down 46 illegal pharmaceutical premises in the Kasuwar Kurmi and Kwangiri areas of Kano metropolis.
The enforcement head listed common offences to include failure to produce valid licences, sale of prescription medicines by unauthorised persons, operation of unlicensed premises, obstruction of regulatory officials, and use of fake payment receipts.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to sanitising the pharmaceutical sector and ensuring that only safe and quality medicines are available to Nigerians.
Dr. Chiroma also urged residents to patronise only licensed medicine outlets displaying valid PCN certificates to safeguard their health.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
