3rd September, 2023
The Oyo State Government has condemned FinRel Pharmacy’s violation of the veterinary premises law.
Dr. Ayorinde Benjamin, the owner of FinRel Pharmacy, broke the seal placed on his business premises
In a joint statement issued by the Commissioners of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, they confirmed that the breach was verified by surveillance agents of the Ministry.
The statement emphasised that the decision to seal FinRel Pharmacy Store in the Asolo area of Olorunsogo, Ibadan, was taken in accordance with the law and with the aim of preventing the outbreak of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The government’s intervention came after receiving information that a Veterinary Doctor at FinRel Pharmacy, Dr. Ayorinde Benjamin, was treating dogs at a barbecue spot within the pharmacy’s premises. Ministry officials promptly visited the location to investigate the matter.
Addressing a statement by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), the Commissioners clarified that the government is not concerned with who sells human or veterinary medicine. Their priority is ensuring public health and safety.
“The present government in the state would not allow any person or group of persons’ selfish interests and unprofessional acts to put the health of the general public at risk,” the statement affirmed.
The government underscored its commitment to addressing unprofessional conduct that could endanger public health and emphasised the need for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
It also outlined several reports that led to the indictment of FinRel Pharmacy:
1. Officers from the Ministry were denied access to FinRel Pharmacy’s vaccine storage.
2. FinRel Pharmacy did not register as a veterinary pharmacy as required by the Oyo State Veterinary Premises Law, 2017, and failed to register as a Veterinary clinic.
3. The Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacist Rachel, confirmed that they sell, treat, and administer vaccines to animals.
4. Access was denied to the pharmacy’s veterinary log book, which is expected to document all veterinary activities.
5. Additionally, FinRel Pharmacy had advertised a free anti-rabies vaccine promotion for dogs if goods worth ₦10,000 were purchased between August 1st and 30th, 2023.
The government called on the public and law-abiding citizens to support its efforts to safeguard lives and property.