PCN seals 486 pharmacy premises in Niger

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 pharmaceutical premises in Niger for various regulatory infractions.

Dr Suleiman Ciroma, Head of Enforcement, PCN Headquarters, said this on Friday in Minna while briefing newsmen at the North Central Zonal Office in Minna after the council’s inspection exercise in the state.

He said the sealed premises comprised 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops and 290 unlicensed outlets.

Ciroma also said that one person was arrested for allegedly obstructing PCN inspectors in the course of their duties and would be prosecuted.

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 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.