The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has taken decisive action against illegal medicine shops in Kaduna State, shutting down a total of 666 establishments for operating without proper registration and supervision. This significant crackdown aims to safeguard public health by enforcing compliance with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, the PCN's Director of Enforcement, announced the enforcement exercise during a press conference in Kaduna. The operation targeted open drug markets and other locations where medicines were being sold unlawfully. In total, the PCN team inspected 895 premises, which included 75 registered pharmacies, 514 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal establishments. The findings were concerning, leading to the closure of 666 of these sites.
“A total of six hundred and sixty-six (666) premises were sealed. The premises sealed include forty-seven (47) pharmacies, three hundred and thirteen (313) patent medicine shops, and three hundred and six (306) illegal medicine shops,” Esumobi stated. This extensive action underscores the PCN's commitment to eliminating the sale of unregulated and potentially harmful substances.
The crackdown is part of the PCN’s ongoing efforts to protect the Nigerian populace from the dangers of unregulated medicine sales. By enforcing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, the council aims to ensure that all medical supplies available to the public meet safety and quality standards. During the enforcement exercise, the PCN issued nine compliance directives to the owners of the sealed shops, warning them against operating in open drug markets and other unregistered locations.
Esumobi emphasized the PCN's unwavering stance: “The PCN will not tolerate the sale of medicines in open drug markets and other unregistered locations. We will continue to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to protect public health and prevent the sale of harmful substances.”
To support the transition towards legal operations, the Kaduna State office of the PCN has pledged to assist the owners of the sealed shops who are willing to comply with the regulations. This support aims to encourage compliance and help these businesses operate within the legal framework, ensuring that the public has access to safe and regulated medical supplies.
This enforcement exercise in Kaduna is part of a broader national initiative by the PCN to combat the proliferation of illegal medicine shops across Nigeria. By taking strong action against these unauthorized operations, the PCN is reinforcing the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring that Nigerians receive safe and reliable medical treatments.
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