In line with its mandate of ensuring rational distribution and dispensing of medicines that are safe, effective and of good quality to the public, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has intensified its nationwide drive towards making the country free from illicit drug practices and health related issues.

  To this end, the Council has sealed off 216 premises comprising 30 pharmacies and 186 patent medicine stores for offences ranging from operating without registration with PCN, failure to renew premises license and dispensing ethical drugs without the supervision of a pharmacist.

  Director and Head of Inspection and Monitoring Department of PCN, Mrs. Anthonia Aruya, told journalists in Lagos: “What we observed in Lagos State is that many premises commence operations without fulfilling minimum requirements. Since these premises have not been approved for the sale of medicines, the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines sourced from them by the public cannot be guaranteed. If this trend is allowed to continue, it will impact negatively on the health of the citizens of the state in particular and the nation in general.’’

  Aruya explained that the exercise is part of its efforts to reverse this ugly situation. She said the Council is charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling the education, training and practice of pharmacy in all its aspects and ramifications, and still maintain its standards that before pharmaceutical premises commence operation it must fulfill certain conditions in line with the PCN guidelines because the premises are expected to apply for location approval. This, she said, is because not every location is suitable for pharmaceutical business.