By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
In what appeared as a renewed hope agenda and fulfillment of its mandates, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria PHC) has sealed no fewer than 486 premises in Niger state.
The Pharmacy Premises were sealed for alleged contravention of relevant regulations, including 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed shops within and outside the state capital.
This was disclosed by the Head of Enforcement PCN headquarters, Dr Suleiman S. Ciroma, while briefing journalists at the PCN North Central Zonal office in Minna after the inspection exercise in the state.
He stated 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 revealed that a total of 672 premises comprising 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine stores were inspected within 9 local government areas, including Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, and Gurara.
He maintained that the rigorous enforcement exercise would be held simultaneously across the country to ensure Nigerians have access to good medicine for compliance with the minimum standards for quality assurance.
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, and 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 therefore appreciates the cooperation of Niger state citizens for the successful exercise aimed at eliminating unauthorized pharmaceutical premises and unqualified practitioners that will help to reduce the incidence of substandard and falsified medical products in the state and Nigeria.
