PCN Seals 381 Pharmacies, Patent Shops

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, has sealed over 381 pharmacies and patent shops in Akwa Ibom State for various offences.

Director and Head of Enforcement Department, Mr Stephen Esumobi stated this while addressing newsmen in Uyo on Friday.

Esumobi said that the sealing of the pharmacies and patent shops followed an enforcement exercise by the council in compliance  with the operational laws and rules of the council.

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

Esumobi noted that the premises were sealed for offences which include, operating without registration or renewal of premises certificates and unauthorised sale of medicines. 

Others are poor storage facilities and temperature control, stocking and sale of prescription and other ethical products by the patent medicine vendors, and among others.

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

Esumobi confirmed that during the enforcement, that the council visited Uyo and Ikono, Abak, Itu, Eket, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ikot Ekpene and Oron Local Government Areas.

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

Esumobi disclosed that personnel in charge of pharmaceutical premises must be knowledgeable on pharmaceutical activities. 

“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 and where they buy their medicine,” he said.

The director noted that premises certificates should be renewed on or before January, 31 every year, adding that it's an offence for any premises to operate without registration or renewal of their premises certificates.

He added that it's an offence for any stakeholder to operate a pharmaceutical business in a location that was not approved by the council.

The director commended the state Ministry of Health, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, journalists and the police for their collaboration in the fight against sharp practices.