PCN shuts down 598 drug stores in Kaduna, arrests two

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has shut down 598 pharmaceutical premises across Kaduna State after finding various regulatory violations during an enforcement operation.

Two vendors were also arrested during the four-day exercise carried out by the council.

The Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, told journalists at the council’s zonal office in Kaduna on Friday that the action followed widespread checks on drug outlets across the state.

He explained that a total of 828 premises were inspected across 10 local government areas. These included 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores, and 74 unlicensed outlets.

Chiroma noted that the enforcement team moved across the state to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and to clamp down on illegal drug sales.

According to him, those sealed included 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores and 74 unlicensed facilities.

Chiroma said the violations ranged from illegal operations to improper handling and sale of medicines.

“In addition, four compliance directives were issued, while two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act,” he said.

He noted that some patent medicine vendors were found stocking and dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines, an offence he described as a serious threat to public health.

“Such practices exceed their authorised scope and pose significant risks to public safety,” Chiroma said.

The enforcement chief, however, said the council recorded improved compliance levels, with only nine per cent of the premises visited operating illegally.

He added that 28 per cent of the total premises inspected were fully compliant with regulatory standards, noting that 45 per cent of pharmacies and 28 per cent of patent medicine stores met required conditions.

Chiroma listed offences that led to the sealing of premises, including failure to present valid licences, operating unregistered facilities, unauthorised clinical practice, stocking ethical medicines in patent medicine shops, and obstructing pharmaceutical inspectors.

He reiterated the council’s commitment to sanitising the drug distribution system, stressing that only qualified personnel and licensed premises would be allowed to operate.

Chiroma also warned against the dangers of drug abuse and patronising unlicensed medicine vendors, stressing that improper use of medicines could lead to severe health complications and death.

He noted that medicines, though therapeutic, could become harmful if misused or taken without professional guidance.

“Drugs are poisons if not properly used. The difference between a drug and a poison is how it is used. If you take medicines without a prescription or professional supervision, instead of getting healed, you may end up harming yourself,” he said.

He, therefore, urged members of the public to always obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies, where qualified pharmacists are available to provide proper guidance.

“If you visit any pharmacy, insist on seeing the pharmacist. Do not allow unqualified persons to attend to you. Also, check for the licence, which is usually displayed on the wall. If it is not displayed, ask questions,” he said.

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