The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has closed down 443 pharmaceutical outlets across Taraba State during a sweeping enforcement campaign targeting illegal and unqualified drug vendors.
The operation, which lasted four days, focused on rooting out unauthorized pharmaceutical activities across several local government areas.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the state capital, Head of Enforcement at the PCN, Dr. S.S. Chiroma, advised Nigerians to be cautious about where they obtain medications.
He stated, “Residents of the state and Nigerians in general [must] be vigilant about where they source their medications to avoid falling into the hands of untrained and unauthorized vendors.”
Chiroma also called on the public to support the council’s efforts by reporting suspected illegal drug dealers to the PCN’s office in Jalingo.
He emphasized the council’s commitment to safeguarding public health by cleansing the pharmaceutical landscape.
During the exercise, enforcement teams visited nine of Taraba’s 16 local government areas, namely Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo-Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro.
Chiroma explained, “A total of 656 premises were inspected during the exercise, comprising 83 pharmacies and 573 patent medicine stores. Out of these, 443 outlets, 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops, were sealed for various infractions, while 10 others were issued compliance directives.”
The PCN outlined the offenses that led to the closures, which included lack of registration, expired licenses, unauthorized practices, illegal possession of controlled substances, and operating beyond regulatory limits.
Additionally, several premises were sanctioned for employing unqualified staff and engaging in wholesale activities without the required permissions.
He noted, “Others were sanctioned for retaining wholesale operations without the necessary authorization.”
Chiroma reiterated the council’s dedication to implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which outline the correct supply chain for pharmaceutical products from manufacturers to end-users.
He affirmed, “This exercise is part of our strategy to eliminate quackery in pharmaceutical practice. It will help stamp out the unprofessional handling of medicines by persons not recognized under the PCN Act and ensure Nigerians have access to safe and effective medications.”
