Crackdown: Pharmacy council shuts 400+ medicine stores in Taraba

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 443 medicine outlets in Taraba state over various infractions, as part of its efforts to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the country.

The PCN is the statutory body responsible for regulating and controlling pharmacy education, training, and practice in Nigeria.

Sulaiman Chiroma, PCN’s Head of Enforcement, made this known during a press briefing on Friday in Jalingo. He said the closure affected 43 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops operating illegally or in breach of established guidelines.

Chiroma disclosed that the enforcement team inspected 656 premises across 11 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, leading to the sanctions. He said the violations ranged from illegal operations and failure to renew registration, to engaging in clinical practices without the necessary authorisation.

Other offences included the unauthorised sale of controlled medicines, stocking products outside the approved patent medicine list, employing unqualified apprentices, and wholesale premises engaging in retail sales.

Chiroma said these activities pose a serious threat to public health, and advised residents to exercise caution in selecting where to buy their medications.

He encouraged members of the public to report suspected quack operators to the PCN office in Jalingo and advised that registered pharmacies could be easily identified by the display of a valid operational license.

Reinforcing the council’s stance, Aodoaseer Gwar from the PCN Northeast Zonal Office in Bauchi noted that licensed pharmacies are required to uphold high ethical standards and professional integrity.