The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed 666 unregistered medicine shops in Kaduna State, for operating in violation of national drug distribution guidelines
The enforcement activity began earlier this week, with an emphasis on open drug markets and other sites where medications were supplied without proper registration and control.
Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, the PCN Director of Enforcement, told journalists in Kaduna that the program sought to ensure the safe and effective distribution of medicines, protect public health, and prohibit the sale of hazardous chemicals within the state.
According to him, during the enforcement, 9 compliance directives were issued to owners of establishments found to be operating unlawfully.
At the end of the exercise, 895 premises were visited, including 75 pharmacies, 514 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal premises. 666 premises were sealed, including 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal ones.
“The premises sealed include forty-seven (47) pharmacies, three hundred and thirteen (313) patent medicine shops, and three hundred and six (306) illegal medicine shops.” he said.
He cautioned that the PCN would not hesitate to take further action against non-compliant medication dealers, and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to assisting individuals who want to follow the regulations.
Written by Cheta Enyoghasi
