PCN seals 598 drug outlets in Kaduna, arrests two

In a decisive move to sanitize the pharmaceutical landscape, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has clamped down on 598 drug outlets across Kaduna State. This intensive four-day enforcement operation, which also saw the arrest of two vendors, underscores the PCN's commitment to upholding regulatory standards and protecting public health.

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The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 598 pharmaceutical premises across Kaduna State over regulatory violations.

Suleiman Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement at the PCN, detailed the scope of the exercise, revealing that 828 premises were inspected. The sealed facilities included 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores, and 74 unlicensed outlets. The violations ranged from operating without proper authorization to the egregious practice of patent medicine vendors stocking and dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines – a practice Chiroma rightly described as a significant threat to public health.

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The council also arrested two vendors during the four-day enforcement exercise.

While the PCN noted an improvement in compliance levels, with only nine percent of inspected premises operating illegally, the scale of the closures highlights persistent challenges. Chiroma reiterated the council's unwavering resolve to ensure that only qualified personnel and licensed premises are permitted to operate. The warning against patronizing unlicensed vendors and the emphasis on obtaining medicines from licensed pharmacies with qualified pharmacists are crucial reminders for the public about the potential dangers of misused medications, which can turn therapeutic agents into poisons if not handled with professional guidance.

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He said a total of 828 premises were inspected, comprising 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores and 74 unlicensed outlets across 10 local government areas.