The Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 340 pharmaceutical premises and stores in Edo State, over non-compliance with guidelines on distribution of patent medicine.
The PCN’s Registrar Elijah Mohammed made this disclosure when briefing journalists on Thursday in Benin.
Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of Enforcement, Stephen Esumobi, said that 256 patent medicine shops and 84 pharmacies were sealed.
He also stated that 22 compliance directives were issued to some premises for various offences ranging from poor sanitary condition, poor documentation, as well as non-display of premises and pharmacists’ annual licences.
ALSO READ: Reps to investigate alleged unlawful waiver granted by PCN
The registrar said that this was the first phase of activities of the PCN put in place to streamline the drug distribution system and improve the level of pharmaceutical services to the people of the state.
He stated: “I must tell you that 256 patent medicines vendors shops, and 84 pharmacies were sealed in Edo.
“The actions we have carried out is not meant to punish operators of these medicine stores and pharmacies, but to ensure they comply with the rules guiding the distribution of drugs.
“However, further action will be taken in due course, as the PCN is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
“The PCN has put in place guidelines derived from the enabling Act to guide the distribution of medicines from the manufacturers and importers until they get to the end users.
“It is important that all stakeholders comply accordingly in the interest of public safety”.
He advised the public to source their medicines from registered and licensed pharmacies and over the counter medicines stores.
According to Mohammed, this was because drugs sold in unregistered outlets could not be guaranteed to be genuine because of poor handling and exposure to environmental factors that degrade them.
