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

Suleiman Ciroma, head of enforcement, PCN Headquarters, said this on Friday in Minna while briefing journalists at the North-Central zonal office in Minna after the council’s inspection exercise.

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

Mr Ciroma also stated that one person had been 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: 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 stated that the inspection uncovered illegal operations at unlicensed outlets, unauthorised clinical practice, non-compliance with regulations, the sale of controlled drugs, and unapproved training of apprentices, among other issues.

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

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

(NAN)