The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 722 pharmaceutical premises in Bauchi State for violating regulations governing the sale, storage and distribution of medicines.
Gatekeepers News reports that the affected premises comprise 52 pharmacies, 339 patent medicine stores and 331 illegal outlets, following a four-day enforcement exercise across 15 local government areas of the state.
Suleiman Chiroma, Head of the PCN Enforcement Department, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Bauchi, where he presented the outcome of the operation.
Chiroma said the enforcement team inspected 950 premises, comprising 92 pharmacies, 527 patent medicine shops and 331 illegal outlets. He added that 24 compliance directives were issued during the exercise.
According to him, the operation was part of the council’s efforts to sanitise the drug distribution system and enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
He explained that the exercise was designed to curb the unauthorised sale and distribution of prescription and controlled medicines, ensure that pharmaceutical premises are managed by qualified personnel, and eliminate illegal drug outlets.
Chiroma expressed concern over the discovery of patent medicine vendors selling prescription medicines, injectables and intravenous infusions in violation of the Approved Patent Medicine List.
Other violations identified included operating without registration, poor record-keeping, improper signage, unhygienic premises, unrestricted access to poisons by unauthorised persons and the training of apprentices.
The PCN official also raised concerns over the alleged unauthorised sale of controlled medicines for abuse, particularly in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis.
He identified some of the controlled substances recovered during the operation as Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol; Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium; Tramadol Hydrochloride; and codeine-containing cough syrups.
Chiroma said the sale of such controlled medicines by patent and proprietary medicine vendors was expressly prohibited by law.
The enforcement operation covered Bauchi, Darazo, Gamawa, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Toro, Misau, Katagum, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro, Dass, Ningi, Warji and Jama’are local government areas.
He confirmed that all 331 illegal premises identified during the exercise were sealed in accordance with the law.
Despite the enforcement action, the council expressed concern over compliance levels among licensed operators. According to the PCN, only 43 per cent of the pharmacies inspected fully complied with regulatory standards, while just 36 per cent of patent and proprietary medicine vendor outlets met the required standards.
Chiroma further noted that pharmacies accounted for only about 10 per cent of the 950 premises inspected, a figure he described as far below the ideal.
He warned that all premises involved in the handling, storage and dispensing of medicines would henceforth face strict and sustained regulatory supervision.
The council, he added, would impose appropriate sanctions on operators found violating existing laws and regulations.
Chiroma urged members of the public to purchase medicines only from premises licensed by the PCN. He also advised licensed operators to display valid and current licences as proof of authorisation.
He said the exercise formed part of the council’s broader commitment to protecting public health, preventing the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines, and ensuring access to safe, effective and quality-assured medicines.
The PCN also appreciated the Bauchi State Government and residents for their cooperation and support during the enforcement operation.
