The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 598 drug stores in Kaduna State.
The Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this at the council’s zonal office in Kaduna on Friday.
He added that 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores and 74 unlicensed outlets across local government areas were inspected.
He said those sealed included 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores and 74 unlicensed facilities, noting that the affected shops operated illegally as well as improper handling and sale of medicines.
“In addition, four compliance directives were issued, while two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act,” he said.
Chiroma said some patent medicine vendors were found stocking and dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines, an offence he described as a serious threat to public health.
“Such practices exceed their authorised scope and pose significant risks to public safety,” Chiroma said.
Chiroma said other offences that led to the sealing of premises include failure to present valid licences, operating unregistered facilities, unauthorised clinical practice, stocking ethical medicines in patent medicine shops, and obstructing pharmaceutical inspectors.
He said only qualified personnel and licensed premises would be allowed to operate.
Chiroma also warned against the dangers of drug abuse and patronising unlicensed medicine vendors, stressing that improper use of medicines could lead to severe health complications and death.
He noted that medicines, though therapeutic, could become harmful if misused or taken without professional guidance.
“Drugs are poisons if not properly used. The difference between a drug and a poison is how it is used. If you take medicines without a prescription or professional supervision, instead of getting healed, you may end up harming yourself,” he said.
He, therefore, urged members of the public to always obtain medicines from licensed pharmacies, where qualified pharmacists are available to provide proper guidance.
“If you visit any pharmacy, insist on seeing the pharmacist. Do not allow unqualified persons to attend to you. Also, check for the licence, which is usually displayed on the wall. If it is not displayed, ask questions,” he said.
