The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 443 pharmaceutical premises in Taraba State for various regulatory breaches. The council, which serves as the regulatory authority overseeing pharmaceutical practice nationwide, carried out the enforcement as part of its routine inspection.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Jalingo, the PCN’s Head of Enforcement, Mr Sulaiman Chiroma, disclosed that the infractions included illegal operations, failure to renew premises registration, and unauthorised clinical practices.
Other violations cited were unauthorised access to controlled medicines, stocking items beyond the approved patent medicine list, inadequate training of apprentices, and wholesale-licensed premises engaging in retail activities.
Mr Chiroma noted that of the 443 sealed premises, 43 were pharmacies, while 395 were patent medicine shops. The PCN enforcement team reportedly visited 656 premises across 11 local government areas in Taraba during the operation.
He urged residents to exercise caution in sourcing their medicines, warning of the dangers posed by untrained or unlicensed vendors.
“Residents should report suspected quack operators to the PCN office in Jalingo,” he advised.
Chiroma further explained that genuine pharmacies display a valid licence visibly within their premises, and reassured the public that the council is steadfast in its mission to protect public health by enforcing professional standards across the board.
Also speaking, Mr Aodoaseer Gwar from the PCN North-East Zonal Office in Bauchi stressed that licensed pharmacists are bound by strict ethical standards and must not engage in unwholesome practices.
He reiterated the council’s commitment to eliminating quackery and ensuring that all pharmaceutical services in Nigeria comply with the Pharmacist’s Code of Ethics.
