PCN seals 733 pharmacies in Delta State

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

Suleiman Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement at PCN, shared this news with reporters in Asaba on Thursday.

Mr Chiroma explained that sealing these premises is part of the council’s job to clean up Nigeria’s drug distribution system.

“The Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, has ordered ongoing enforcement across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Following this order, we have already visited several states this year, and the work is still going on.”

He said the operation aims to find and seal places that are not following the law. This will help ensure everyone follows the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

The goal is to stop the illegal sale and distribution of controlled medicines.

“To make sure that only qualified people run pharmaceutical businesses, and that Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors follow their approved guidelines,” Mr Chiroma added.

The four-day operation focused on only five of Delta’s 25 local government areas: Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ika North-East, Ika South, and Ndokwa West.

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

“Out of these, we sealed 733 premises, which included 81 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 339 illegal outlets.

“Seven compliance directives were also issued. Illegal premises made up 36.5 percent of all sealed places due to rule violations.

“Among licensed businesses, 58 percent of the pharmacies checked were following the rules. This shows we need to increase monitoring.

“Additionally, 22 percent of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor outlets were also compliant.”

He noted that, by law, all 339 illegal premises found were sealed.

Mr Chiroma pointed out that pharmacies made up just 21 percent of the 930 places checked, which is below what is expected.

He warned that all businesses dealing with medicines will now face strict supervision.

He added that any breach of laws and regulations will lead to swift penalties according to the law.

Mr Chiroma encouraged the public to buy medicines only from PCN-licensed shops.

He said every licensed facility must show a valid license as proof they can operate.

“The PCN thanks the Delta State government and its people for their support during this enforcement.

“The council believes that working together with all parties is key to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and quality medicines.”