The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 733 pharmacies, patent medicine stores and illegal outlets in Delta.

The PCN head of department, enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Asaba on Thursday.

Mr Chiroma said the sealing of the premises was part of the council’s mandate to implement a structured and phased enforcement exercise aimed at sanitising the drug distribution system in Nigeria.

“The Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, has directed the sustenance of continuous and sustainable enforcement exercises across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In line with this directive, several states have already been visited this year, and the exercise is ongoing.”

According to him, the operation is focused on identifying and sealing premises operating outside the provisions of the law, with a view to ensuring total adherence to the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG).

“The objectives of the enforcement are to curb the unauthorised sale and distribution of ethical and controlled medicines.

“To ensure that pharmaceutical premises are operated only by qualified personnel, and that Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) strictly adhere to their approved scope of practice,” Mr Chiroma said.

He said that the four-day enforcement covered only five local government areas out of the 25 LGAs of Delta, namely Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ika North-East, Ika South and Ndokwa West.

“The team inspected a total of 930 premises, comprising 191 pharmacies, 400 patent medicine stores, and 339 illegal outlets.

“Consequently, 733 premises were sealed, including 81 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 339 illegal outlets.

“In addition, seven compliance directives were issued. Illegal premises accounted for 36.5 per cent of all facilities sealed due to one or more regulatory breaches.

“Among licensed operators, 58 per cent of the pharmacies inspected were in full compliance with regulatory standards, thus the need to enhance monitoring.

“In comparison, 22 per cent of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor (PPMV) outlets were also found to be compliant.”

He said that, based on the provisions of the law, 100 per cent of the 339 illegal premises identified were sealed.

Mr Chiroma said that of the 930 premises visited, pharmacies constituted just 21 per cent, noting that that was a shortfall from the ideal.

He warned that all premises involved in the handling, storage and dispensing of medicines would henceforth be under strict and sustained regulatory supervision.

He added that any violation of extant laws and regulations would attract prompt and appropriate enforcement sanctions in line with the law.

Mr Chiroma, however, advised the public to obtain medicines exclusively from premises licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

According to him, a valid and current licence must be displayed by every licensed facility as proof of authorisation to operate.

“The PCN expresses its appreciation to the Government and people of Delta State for their cooperation and support during the enforcement exercise.

“The council believes that sustained collaboration with all stakeholders is critical to ensuring continuous access to safe, effective and quality-assured medicines for the Nigerian populace.” 

(NAN)