The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 618 pharmacies and patent medicine stores across Rivers and Bayelsa states as part of a comprehensive enforcement operation aimed at regulating pharmacy practice and safeguarding public health.
According to officials, the affected premises were shut down for numerous violations including operating without valid licenses, failure to renew registrations, conducting unauthorized clinical activities, illegal access to controlled medicines, and overstocking beyond approved patent medicine lists.
The enforcement exercise, conducted earlier this week, covered major local government areas including Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche in Rivers State, as well as Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State.
Of the 867 premises inspected—comprising 344 pharmacies and 523 patent medicine stores—536 were sealed in Rivers State while 82 were sealed in Bayelsa State.
Enforcement Breakdown and Arrests
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, PCN's National Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, highlighted the severity of the situation.
"The pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria has been bedeviled with chaotic drug distribution, unlicensed/illegal premises, and handling of medicines by unauthorized persons," Chiroma stated.
The enforcement action resulted in the sealing of 178 pharmacies, 123 patent medicine shops, and 317 illegal shops for various offenses. Additionally, nine premises received compliance directives, while five individuals were arrested for breaking PCN seals and handed over to security agencies.
Chiroma expressed particular concern about the "unfettered access to controlled medicines in poison cupboards by non-pharmacist staff" in Rivers State, noting that this practice allows potentially dangerous substances to reach unauthorized persons, posing significant public health and security risks.
Public Safety Concerns
The Council also identified a troubling trend where some vendors make initial registration payments without completing the full licensing process, yet falsely present themselves as properly licensed establishments.
"Medicines are poisons and must be regulated," emphasized Chiroma, underscoring the critical importance of having only trained personnel handle pharmaceutical products.
The PCN has urged the public to verify that pharmacies and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) display their official licenses conspicuously within their premises. Residents of Rivers and Bayelsa states are also encouraged to exercise caution regarding where they purchase medicines and to report suspicious activities to PCN state offices.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, established by the PCN Establishment Act No. 31 of 2022, is mandated to regulate and control pharmacy education, training, and practice in all aspects, while enforcing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of medicines throughout Nigeria.
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