PCN seals 598 pharmacies, patent medicine shops in Kaduna over regulatory breaches

About 598 pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Kaduna State have been sealed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) as part of efforts to curb illegal drug distribution and safeguard public health.

The National Head of Enforcement, Suleiman S. Chiroma, disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday, explaining that the decision followed widespread non-compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the state.

According to him, “The four-day operation covered 828 premises across key local government areas, including Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Sabon Gari, Giwa and Igabi.”

Of these, he said 598 were sealed, comprising 68 registered pharmacies and 456 patent medicine stores, alongside 74 unlicensed outlets operating outside the law.

Chiroma lamented that many of the sealed facilities were found selling prescription-only medicines without authorisation, while others were cited for poor storage conditions, lack of proper licensing, and engaging in clinical practices beyond their approved scope.

Two individuals, according to him, were arrested by the enforcement team for serious infractions, alongside the issuance of compliance directives to several operators who failed to meet regulatory standards.

The exercise, carried out under the mandate of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act, empowers the Council to regulate pharmacy practice and enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

These guidelines ensure medicines are distributed through approved channels and handled under conditions that preserve their safety, quality, and effectiveness. Despite the scale of the crackdown, the Council noted encouraging signs of compliance within the sector, stating that only nine per cent of inspected premises were operating illegally, while 28 per cent met all regulatory requirements.

It observed that 45 per cent of the pharmacies visited were in good standing, while 28 per cent of patent medicine vendors were fully compliant—an indication, it said, of improving adherence to standards.

The National Head of Enforcement further explained that the operation aligns with broader health sector reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly efforts to expand access to safe and quality healthcare.

He added that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has also emphasised the need for stronger regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Council warned that enforcement activities would continue nationwide to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines. It also urged the public to buy drugs only from licensed premises displaying a valid certification.

The PCN expressed appreciation to residents of Kaduna State for their cooperation during the exercise, noting that public support remains essential in ensuring the success of ongoing efforts to sanitise the pharmaceutical landscape.