BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
BENIN CITY – The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 471 pharmaceutical premises in Edo State for breaching regulatory standards during a major enforcement exercise.
Registrar of the Council, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, who was represented by the Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this at a press briefing in Benin City.
He said the exercise, which lasted one week, was part of nationwide efforts to rid the pharmaceutical sector of quackery and ensure strict compliance with professional ethics.
According to him, the operation covered five local government areas, Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Egor and Uhunmwode, where 743 premises were inspected.
These included 196 pharmacies and 547 patent medicine stores.
Out of the number, 471 were sealed for infractions such as operating without valid licences, failure to renew registration, engaging in unauthorised clinical activities, and improper handling of controlled substances.
A breakdown of the action showed that 77 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine stores and 220 unlicensed shops were shut.
In addition, four premises were handed compliance directives to correct identified lapses, while one person was arrested for obstructing enforcement officers during the operation.
Chiroma stressed that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 31 of 2022 empowers the Council to regulate all aspects of pharmacy practice, education and training across the country.
He noted that the Council would continue to sustain regular monitoring to ensure sanity in the distribution and sale of medicines.
He cautioned members of the public against patronising unregistered outlets and urged them to always confirm the validity of operating licences displayed at pharmaceutical premises before making purchases.
“This operation demonstrates the Council’s commitment to upholding professional standards and protecting public health. If in doubt, members of the public should demand to see the licence displayed. This will help them distinguish between legitimate and illegal operators,” he said.
Chiroma further explained that the enforcement drive was not aimed at witch-hunting operators but at sanitising the pharmaceutical space, reducing risks to patients and strengthening public confidence in health services.
