Widespread Shutdowns in Adamawa
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed 581 pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Adamawa State for breaching operational guidelines. This decisive action was revealed by Stephen Esumobi, Director of Enforcement for PCN, during a press briefing in Yola. The shutdowns are part of a wider crackdown on facilities operating outside legal frameworks in the state.
Inspection of Hundreds of Facilities
The enforcement team inspected a total of 816 facilities across several local government areas, including Yola North, Yola South, Mubi North, Mubi South, Girei, Numan, Michika, and Demsa. Among the sealed premises were 35 pharmacies, 325 patent medicine shops, and 221 illegal outlets. These closures aim to safeguard public health by ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s pharmaceutical regulations.
Violation of Storage and Supervision Rules
Inspectors raised major concerns during the inspection about the improper storage of medicines. They found many facilities storing drugs in unsuitable conditions, potentially compromising their quality. Additionally, they discovered that some pharmacies operated without qualified pharmacists supervising, raising safety concerns about the dispensing of essential medications.
Repeat Offenders Fail to Comply
Esumobi pointed out that authorities had previously sanctioned some of these facilities during a similar enforcement exercise in 2022. Despite earlier warnings, these businesses failed to address the issues, leading to further penalties. The PCN has now ordered its Adamawa office to ensure the affected outlets adhere to the laws moving forward.
Call for Compliance with Operational Laws
The closure of these pharmacies and medicine shops sends a clear message about the importance of maintaining standards in pharmaceutical operations. The PCN remains committed to protecting public health by holding violators accountable and enforcing strict compliance with legal standards in the sector.
Ensuring the Safety of Medications
The PCN’s actions underscore its role in regulating the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria. By shutting down non-compliant facilities, the council is taking necessary steps to ensure that only properly regulated establishments can dispense medicine, thereby protecting the health of citizens across Adamawa State.
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