In a significant move aimed at ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has taken decisive action in Gombe State. A total of 751 medicine shops in the Gombe State open drug market have been shut down by the federal agency.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, established in 2022 under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act, is entrusted with the vital task of regulating and controlling pharmacy education, training, and practice across the nation. Acting within its mandate, the PCN conducted an enforcement operation in Gombe State, targeting various infractions prevalent in the pharmaceutical sector
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Stephen Esumobi, the Director of Enforcement at PCN, outlined the reasons behind the closure of these establishments. Offenses ranged from the sale of medicines in open markets to operating without proper registration with the PCN. Other infractions included poor documentation practices, inadequate storage facilities, and the stocking of ethical products without the supervision of a pharmacist.
The enforcement operation, conducted from April 20 to 25, 2024, covered five Local Government Areas, namely Gombe, Akko, Yalmatu Deba, Funakaye, and Billiri. Over the course of the operation, a total of 1001 premises were visited by the PCN enforcement team. These premises comprised 71 pharmacies, 346 patent medicine shops, and 584 illegal establishments, including those operating within the Gombe open drug market.
Of the premises visited, 751 were sealed off for non-compliance with regulatory standards. The breakdown of sealed premises includes 39 pharmacies, 128 patent medicine shops, and 584 illegal medicine vendors. Esumobi emphasized that while the PCN’s actions may seem stringent, the primary goal is not to stifle businesses but to ensure adherence to safety and regulatory protocols.
It’s worth noting that the PCN has expressed its commitment to supporting compliant medicine dealers in the state. The agency’s office in Gombe is ready to provide all necessary assistance to businesses willing to comply with regulations, thereby fostering growth in the pharmaceutical sector while prioritizing public health and safety.
The decisive action taken by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria in Gombe State underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health. By enforcing stringent standards and promoting compliance within the pharmaceutical industry, the PCN plays a vital role in upholding the integrity and safety of medicine distribution in Nigeria.
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