Last Updated on June 30, 2024 by The Health Master
Nigeria
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has taken a strong stance against unregulated medicine sales in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in Nigeria.
In a week-long enforcement sweep, the PCN sealed a staggering 531 pharmaceutical stores and other medicine outlets for violating critical safety regulations.
Non-Compliance Puts Public Health at Risk
The Nigeria PCN’s national enforcement team visited a total of 908 premises, including:
- 235 Pharmaceutical Stores
- 336 Patent Medicine Shops
- 337 Illegal Medicine Outlets
Out of these, 531 faced closure for a variety of offenses, highlighting a concerning lack of adherence to safety protocols in Nigeria.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons for closure:
- Operating without PCN Registration (High-risk Practice): This is a serious offense as it signifies a complete lack of oversight and potential for selling dangerous or counterfeit medications.
- Non-Renewal of Premises Certificates: Expired licenses indicate outdated safety protocols and raise concerns about proper storage and handling of medicine.
- Unauthorized Sale of Prescription Drugs: Patent medicine vendors are not qualified to dispense medications with narrow safety margins, which can lead to overdoses and adverse reactions.
- Wholesalers Engaging in Retail Sales: This disrupts the established supply chain and can lead to price gouging or the sale of expired medications.
- Patent Medicine Shops Engaging in Clinical Practice: These outlets lack the necessary training and equipment to administer intravenous medications safely.
- Poor Documentation: Inadequate record-keeping makes it difficult to track medication inventory and identify potential issues.
Beyond Common Violations: Additional Safety Concerns
The Nigeria PCN enforcement team uncovered even more alarming practices during their inspections:
- Poor Storage Facilities: Improper storage can compromise the effectiveness and safety of medications.
- Unqualified Personnel Handling Sensitive Drugs: Non-pharmacists accessing restricted substances like poisons creates a significant risk of misuse.
- Dispensing of Controlled Substances in Pharmacist’s Absence: This can lead to addiction or even death in the case of improper use.
- Lack of Supervision by Qualified Pharmacists: Remote supervision by pharmacists not residing in the FCT raises concerns about timely intervention in case of emergencies.
The Importance of Safe Medication Practices
These closures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to established regulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
Patients deserve access to safe and effective medications dispensed by qualified professionals.
The PCN’s enforcement actions demonstrate their commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a safe and regulated pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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