The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria shut down over 400 illegal drug stores in Cross River State to ensure public health safety. Following inspections of nearly 500 premises, the operation resulted in the arrest of five illegal medicine dealers and highlighted concerns over poor storage conditions for medications.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down more than 400 illegal drug stores in Cross River State as part of a campaign to protect public health. This initiative followed a thorough enforcement operation that inspected nearly 500 locations, resulting in the closure of 405 establishments, including 31 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine shops, and 200 unlicensed outlets.
Pharmacist Stephen Esumobi, the Director of Enforcement for Cross River State, shared these details on August 23, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system. The council aims to ensure that all medications available to the public meet stringent quality and safety standards.
During the enforcement, five illegal medicine dealers were arrested for violating PCN regulations by tampering with seals placed on their premises. Esumobi pointed out that many of the closed facilities had poor storage conditions, raising concerns that the medications might have been compromised due to factors such as high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight exposure.
The actions taken by the PCN highlight the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare standards in Nigeria and ensuring that citizens can access safe and effective medications. This crackdown on illegal drug stores serves as a crucial reminder of the need for stringent regulation of pharmaceutical practices to protect public health.
