The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed down no fewer than 381 pharmacies in Akwa Ibom for different offences.
The Director and Head of Enforcement Department, Mr Stephen Esumobi, made this revelation while speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Friday.
Esumobi revealed that the action was make sure that pharmacies and patent shops obey operational laws, and regulations of the council.
He added that out of the 381 premises closed down, 329 were patent medicine shops, while 52 were pharmacies.
”These premises were sealed for offences which include, operating without registration or renewal of premises certificates, unauthorized sale of medicines, abuse, and poor access control to the poison cupboard.
”Others are poor storage facilities and temperature control, stocking and sale of prescription and other ethical products by the patent medicine vendors, among others,” he said.
He further said that the enforcement exercise visited 727 premises which comprised 168 pharmacies, 559 patent medicine shops.
Esumobi revealed that during the enforcement exercise, Abak, Uyo and Ikono, Eket, Itu, Ikot Ekpene, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Oron Local Government Areas were visited.
”Pharmacies must have a full time Superintendent Pharmacist, who shall supervise all pharmaceutical activities within the premises.
”Personnel in charge of pharmaceutical premises must also have knowledge that is appropriate for the scope of pharmaceutical activity.
“All registered premises are expected to display their current premises certificates or evidence of registration conspicuously within the premises to enable members of the public to know the status of premises where they buy their medicine,” he said.
He added that establishment of pharmacy at an unapproved location was an offence for any stakeholder.
He appreciated the Department of State Services (DSS), state Ministry of Health, newsmen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the police for working with the council to fight against unethical practice.