The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 355 pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Jigawa State due to various infractions. Stephen Esumobi, PCN’s Director of Enforcement, announced this during a briefing with newsmen following an extensive operation in several local government areas.
“Many premises in Jigawa have been operating illegally without registration. Numerous patent medicine stores have stocked large quantities of medicines outside the approved drug lists, exceeding their authorized scope,” Esumobi explained.
He highlighted the inadequate storage conditions in most premises, which exposed the medicines to degradation, posing significant public health risks. “Most of the drugs found in these patent shops were no longer fit for human consumption,” Esumobi added.
The enforcement operation revealed that some illegal medicine dealers were selling substances of abuse to the public, exacerbating social and security issues related to illicit drug use.
The PCN’s crackdown extended to various local government areas, including Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gwaram, Ringim, Taura, Birniwa, Guri, Malam Madori, Jahun, Kiyawa, Garki, Gumel, Dutse, Kazaure, Roni, Gagarawa, Buji, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, and Auyo.
The closures were due to a range of violations, such as unauthorized sale of controlled substances, wholesale premises engaging in retail sales, and selling medicines without proper documentation. Additionally, some establishments were sealed for operating without registration with the council, maintaining poor storage facilities, and stocking ethical products without the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
Further compounding the issue, two individuals were arrested for breaking the council’s seals and obstructing inspectors from performing their lawful duties.
Esumobi stressed the importance of regulatory compliance to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines available to the public. He urged all medicine dealers in the state to adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the PCN to avoid future sanctions.
“The PCN is committed to ensuring that all pharmaceutical practices within the country meet the required standards to safeguard public health,” Esumobi concluded.