The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, has executed a sweeping crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical activities in Cross River State, closing down more than 400 unauthorized medicine shops in a bold effort to protect public health and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The council also apprehended five illegal medicine dealers to uphold the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medications within the healthcare system.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Enforcement for Cross River State, Pharmacist Stephen Esumobi, who noted that the development comes on the heels of a thorough inspection of drug dealers’ operations across the state.
He highlighted the necessity of regulatory compliance to safeguard public health, and the importance of these enforcement actions in upholding the integrity of the healthcare system.
He emphasized that the PCN’s enforcement efforts are crucial in identifying unregistered establishments that distribute medications without proper oversight.
During the enforcement operation, he said approximately 500 premises were surveyed, resulting in the closure of 405 facilities, and the arrest of five individuals engaging in illegal medicine sales.
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The PCN said it remains dedicated to ensuring Nigerians access to reliable and beneficial pharmaceutical products.
“A total of four hundred and five premises had been sealed including 31 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine shops, and 200 illegal medicine shops.
“Five compliance directives were issued, while five illegal medicine dealers were arrested for breaking Pharmacy Council of Nigeria’s seal,” he said.
Esumobi attributed inadequate handling of pharmaceutical products as one major factor contributing to the poor quality of medicines in the pharmaceutical distribution chain.
“The storage conditions in most of these premises are very poor and there is a high possibility that many of the products in those premises are degraded due to exposure to harsh environmental factors like high temperature, humidity and direct sunlight,” he stressed
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