By Our Reporter
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 666 medicine outlets in Kaduna State, including 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 306 illegal operations, as part of a significant enforcement initiative.
This action, which took place over the past week, was prompted by concerns about unregulated medicine sales and inadequate storage practices that pose risks to public health. Officials inspected 895 premises across the state, discovering that many operated without proper registration, lacked a supervising pharmacist for prescription drugs, or engaged in other illegal activities.
Numerous outlets were found to have poor documentation and storage conditions that did not meet pharmaceutical standards. PCN’s Director of Enforcement, Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, highlighted the ongoing issue of unregulated drug markets in Nigeria. He pointed out that such markets often operate without qualified pharmacists and sell medicines that may be ineffective or unsafe due to improper storage.
The crackdown also targeted shops involved in the illegal sale of substances of abuse, worsening regional social and security issues. Pharm. Esumobi urged those affected to comply with regulations and noted that the PCN’s Kaduna office is available to help those willing to follow the guidelines.
The PCN reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safe, effective, and high-quality distribution of medicines throughout Nigeria’s healthcare system.