Writing By Aliyu Lawal ; Editing By Godwin Duru
In fulfillment of its mandates , the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria PHC, has sealed no fewer than 486 premises for contravening relevant regulations.
They includes 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed shops in parts of the state.
Head of Enforcement , PCN headquarters, Dr Suleiman Ciroma stated this while briefing Journalists at the North Central Zonal office in Minna after the inspection exercise.
He stated that one person was arrested and would be prosecuted for obstructing PCN inspectors in the discharge of their duties, while the inspection was focused strategically on core areas of premises, personnel, pharmaceutical practice, and adherence to the ethics to ensure safe and standard service delivery.
Suleiman Ciroma further explained that a total of 672 premises comprising 136 pharmacies, and 536 patent medicine stores were inspected within nine local government areas to comprised of Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja and Gurara respectively.
He also maintained that the rigorous enforcement exercise would be held simultaneously across the country in order to ensure Nigerians have access to good medicines .
According to Ciroma, the inspection uncovered various regulatory breaches including illegal operation of unlicensed premises, non compliance with regulations, unauthorized clinical practice, sales of controlled drugs, training of apprentices, among others.
The Head of Enforcement insisted that genuine pharmacies and PPMVs can be identified by the prominent display of their current licenses within their premises, while urging the public to look out for this critical indicator of legitimacy.
He appreciated the cooperation of people of Niger state for the successful exercise aimed at eliminating unauthorized pharmaceutical premises mong others targets.
ALIYU LAWAL
