PCN seals 381 pharmacies, patent shops in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed not fewer than 381 pharmacies and patent shops in Akwa Ibom for committing various offences punishable by the council.

The Director and Head of the Enforcement Department, Mr Stephen Esumobi, said this during a press conference in Uyo on Friday.

Esumobi said that out of the 381 premises sealed, 52 were pharmacies while 329 were patent medicine shops.

He said that the premises were sealed for offences which include; operating without registration or renewal of premises certificates, unauthorized sale of medicines, abuse, and poor access control to the poison cupboard.

According to him, others offences include; poor storage facilities and temperature control, stocking and sale of prescription and other ethical products by the patent medicine vendors, among others.

He noted that at the end of the exercise, a total of 727 premises were visited comprising 559 patent medicine shops and 168 pharmacies.

Esumobi said during the enforcement, the council visited Uyo and its environs, Ikono, Abak, Itu, Eket, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ikot Ekpene and Oron local government areas.

He said that all pharmacies must have a full time Superintendent Pharmacist, who shall supervise all pharmaceutical activities within the premises.

Esumobi added that the personnel in charge of pharmaceutical premises must have knowledge that is appropriate for the scope of pharmaceutical activity.

He warned that the patent medicine vendors are to stock and sell only medicines within their approved drugs list and urged them to restrict their sales to the approved drugs list.

“The PCN enforcement team has been in Akwa Ibom State since the beginning of the week in continuation of the current drive by the council to streamline the drug distribution system in the country.

“All registered premises are expected to display their current premises certificates or evidence of registration conspicuously within the premises to enable members of the public to know the status of premises where they buy their medicine.

“Premises certificates shall be renewed on or before 31st January every year and it is an offence for any premises to operate without registration or renewal of their premises certificates.

“In enforcing the PCN laws, the primary areas of focus of the PCN enforcement team are premises, personnel, and practice. 

“It is an offence for any stakeholder to operate a pharmaceutical business in a location that has not been approved by Pharmacy Council of Nigeria,” Esumobi said.

He commended the state Ministry of Health, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the press, and the Nigerian Police Force for their continuous collaboration with the council.