One arrested as PCN seals 486 pharmacy premises in Niger

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops and 290 unlicensed outlets for various regulatory infractions in Niger State.

One person was also arrested for attempting to stop officials of PCN from sealing the pharmaceutical premises totaling 486, Dr Suleiman Ciroma, Head of Enforcement, PCN Headquarters, said this on Friday in Minna.

Ciroma spoke while briefing journalists at the North Central Zonal Office in Minna after the council’s inspection exercise in the state.

According to him, 672 premises, including 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine shops, were inspected across nine Local Government Areas namely Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja and Gurara.

He added that that the person arrested for allegedly obstructing PCN inspectors in the course of their duties and would be prosecuted.

He explained that the exercise focused on compliance with professional ethics, personnel, premises standards and pharmaceutical practice to ensure safe and quality service delivery.

The PCN enforcement head said the inspection revealed illegal operations of unlicensed outlets, unauthorised clinical practice, non-compliance with regulations, sale of controlled drugs and unapproved training of apprentices, among others.

He urged members of the public to patronise only licensed premises, which he said, could be identified by the display of current licences.

Ciroma commended residents of Niger for their cooperation during the exercise, noting that the council’s nationwide enforcement would help check the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.

(NAN)