In a major crackdown on unregistered medicine vendors, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed 666 illegal medicine shops across Kaduna State. This action, which began earlier this week, was taken to address violations of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines and to safeguard public health.
The PCN’s enforcement drive targeted open drug markets and various locations where medicines were sold without proper registration or oversight. The initiative aimed to ensure that all medicine distribution in the state meets safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, the Director of Enforcement at PCN, detailed that the operation involved inspecting 895 premises. This included 47 registered pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal medicine vendors. Of these inspected premises, 666 were found to be operating unlawfully and were subsequently sealed.
The PCN’s crackdown was driven by concerns about public health risks associated with unregistered medicine shops. Many of these shops were found to be operating under poor conditions, leading to the degradation of medicines. Medicines exposed to such environments may lose their effectiveness or become unsafe for human consumption due to the breakdown of active ingredients.
Esumobi emphasized that the presence of these unregistered shops poses significant risks to the community, as substandard storage conditions can result in the sale of compromised drugs. Such conditions can lead to serious health issues for consumers who might unknowingly purchase and use degraded medicines.
The PCN has issued 9 compliance directives to businesses found violating regulations during the enforcement. These directives are aimed at ensuring that these establishments rectify their practices and align with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
Esumobi assured that the PCN will continue to monitor and enforce drug distribution laws rigorously. The Council has made it clear that it will not tolerate the sale of medicines in open drug markets or other unregistered locations. The PCN remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and effective medicines reach consumers.
For those businesses that wish to comply with regulations, the PCN is ready to provide assistance to help them meet the necessary standards. The goal is to create a safer environment for medicine distribution and protect the health and well-being of the public in Kaduna State.
