The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down a total of 571 pharmacies and medicine shops across Bauchi State following a major enforcement operation.
During a press conference, the Director of Enforcement at PCN, Pharm Stephen Esumobi, highlighted that the operation involved a total of 762 premises, including 88 pharmacies, 284 patent medicine shops, and 390 illegal medicine shops.
Of these, 37 pharmacies, 144 patent medicine shops, and 390 illegal outlets were found in violation of regulatory standards and were subsequently sealed.
The PCN’s enforcement operation was carried out in 10 local government areas; Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Darazo, Ganjuwa, Alkaleri, Dambam, Kirfi, Ningi, Toro and Dass.
Esumobi emphasised that maintaining medicines’ safety, effectiveness, and quality requires proper storage facilities with controlled temperature and humidity.
According to him, non-compliance with these standards has led to significant risks, including treatment failures and preventable deaths.
The PCN had previously issued warnings and guidelines to improve practices, but many premises failed to adhere to the required regulations.
He notes that: “Other breaches committed by owners of pharmaceutical premises include operating without registration and non-renewal of premises certificates, poor documentation, patent medicine vendors stocking medicines outside the approved drug list and carrying out clinical services, wholesalers engaging in retail, pharmacies operating without a superintendent pharmacist.”
The PCN also raised concerns about a growing market for substance abuse within the state, exacerbating local social and security issues.
The council then warned that violations of regulations are punishable under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act 2022, with fines of up to ₦2m or revocation of licences.
He stressed that the PCN’s state and zonal offices will continue rigorous monitoring, to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the state.
