Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 471 pharmaceutical premises in Edo State as part of a sweeping enforcement operation aimed at sanitising the medicine distribution system and safeguarding public health.
The Registrar and CEO of the PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, gave the assurance of continued regulatory oversight, stating that the Council remains committed to enforcing pharmaceutical standards across the country.
He was represented by the Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, during a press briefing held in Benin City, recently.
According to Dr. Chiroma, the week-long operation covered five local government areas which include Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Egor, and Uhunmwonde.
He explained that a total of 743 premises were inspected, including 196 pharmacies and 547 patent medicine stores as out of these, 471 premises were sealed for various offences, ranging from operating without valid licenses, failing to renew registration, engaging in unauthorised clinical activities to mishandling controlled substances.
The sealed premises included 77 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine stores, and 220 unlicensed shops. Additionally, four premises were served compliance directives requiring corrective action, while one person was arrested for obstructing enforcement officers.
Dr. Chiroma emphasised the Council’s statutory mandate under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 31 of 2022, which empowers it to regulate all aspects of pharmacy education, training, and practice across Nigeria.
He also urged the public to verify the legitimacy of pharmacies by checking for valid operating licenses visibly displayed on the premises.
“This targeted approach underscores the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of pharmaceutical practice and protecting public health.
“When we issue you a licence to operate either a pharmacy or patient medicine store, our laws require you display it in your premises, so when you enter a premises, if you are in doubt ask for the license. By the time people start doing this, they will know that people are aware of where to get good or bad medicine”, Dr. Chiroma enjoined the public.
