The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has sealed 355 pharmacies and patent medicines shops in Jigawa for various offences including operating illegally without registration, sales of banned substances, and sales of medicines without documentation.
PCN Director of Enforcement, Mr Stephen Esumobi, made this known while speaking to newsmen after conducting the operation in some local government areas. He said, “Many premises in Jigawa have been operating illegally without registration. Many patent medicine stores have stocked large quantities of medicines outside approved drug lists beyond their scope. “Storage conditions in most premises were inadequate, thus exposing the products to degradation, which will affect public health.”
Esumobi further revealed that most drugs found in the patent shops were no longer fit for human consumption. He also said that illegal medicine dealers were also found selling illicit drugs, thus aggravating social and security concerns.
The director of enforcement listed the places where stores were sealed to include, Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gwaram, Ringim, Taura, Birniwa, Guri, Malam Madori, Jahun, Kiyawa, Garki and Gumel Local Government Areas. The operation was also extended to Dutse, Kazaure, Roni, Gagarawa, Buji, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama and Auyo LGAs. Esumobi further revealed that some were also sealed for operating without registration with the council, poor storage facilities, and stocking ethical products without the supervision of a competent pharmacist.
In addition, he noted that two people were arrested for breaking the council’s seal and obstructing inspectors from performing their lawful duty. The Registrar of the PCN, according to Esumobi, is repositioning the council to strengthen its surveillance and enforcement activities nationwide. This, he said, is aimed at improving the quality of pharmaceutical services in premises across the states. The director further warned drug sellers to ensure proper registration and ethical conduct to avoid crossing the paths of the law. He said the enforcement was backed by the Pharmaceutical Premises, Location, Inspection, Structure, Monitoring and Enforcement Regulations 2022.
