Nearly half of the 602 facilities inspected in 10 local government areas were operating unlawfully, revealing widespread non-compliance across the state.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has undertaken a significant enforcement exercise in Cross River State, sealing a staggering 505 illegal and non-compliant drug premises. This decisive action comes after inspections revealed that nearly half of all pharmaceutical and patent medicine shops examined were operating outside the established regulatory framework.
During a four-day operation spanning 10 local government areas, PCN inspectors visited 602 premises. Shockingly, the council found that 48.3 percent of these outlets were operating illegally, a figure described as a 'decimal performance' in the state's regulatory adherence.
The enforcement effort underscores a critical push by the PCN to sanitize the drug distribution system and ensure public health safety across Nigeria, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
Unveiling Widespread Non-Compliance in Cross River Drug Outlets
The extensive inspection drive by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria brought to light a significant number of regulatory breaches. Out of the 602 premises scrutinized, a total of 505 were found to be in violation of established guidelines and subsequently sealed on the spot.
Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, representing the Registrar of the council, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, provided specific details on the closures. He confirmed that the enforcement team uncovered 291 illegal outlets, which were immediately sealed. Additionally, 54 pharmacies and 160 patent medicine stores were also found to be operating in breach of regulatory requirements and establishment guidelines, leading to their closure.
“In the inspection exercise, we uncovered 291 illegal outlets. All of them were totally sealed on the spot, along with 54 pharmacies and 160 patent medicine stores found in breach of regulations and establishment guidelines,” Dr. Chiroma stated, highlighting the scale of the non-compliance.
Tougher Penalties for Operating Illegal Drug Establishments
The PCN's enforcement actions are now backed by stronger legal measures, moving beyond mere administrative sanctions. This increased legal weight aims to deter individuals from operating illegal drug businesses, which pose significant risks to public health.
A recent high-profile case serves as a stark warning: Mrs. Ezea Asidora Kamchekwube, who ran two unlicensed shops in Calabar, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court. This judgment, as noted by Dr. Chiroma, signifies a new era of enforcement.
Dr. Chiroma emphasized the impact of this precedent, stating, “The recent case of Mrs Ezea Asidora Kamchekwube, who ran two unlicensed shops in Calabar and was recently sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court, is a signal and proof that Pharmacy Council of Nigeria enforcement now carries real legal weight, not just administrative sanctions.”
Even Licensed Drug Vendors Fall Short of PCN Standards
Beyond the outright illegal operations, the PCN's inspections also revealed concerning levels of non-compliance among even licensed drug premises. This indicates that obtaining a license does not always guarantee adherence to the required professional and operational standards.
Inspectors issued 13 compliance directives to various operators, providing them with an opportunity to rectify identified infractions. However, the overall compliance rates remain low: only 42.5 percent of registered pharmacies inspected were found to be fully compliant, while a mere 26.8 percent of patent medicine vendors met all regulatory standards.
These figures underscore the significant challenges faced by the PCN in ensuring that all drug distribution channels, whether illegal or licensed, adhere to the strict guidelines necessary for public safety and the integrity of the pharmaceutical sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)?
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) is the government agency responsible for regulating and controlling pharmaceutical education, training, and practice in Nigeria. Its mandate includes ensuring the quality and safety of medicines available to the public.
How many illegal drug premises were sealed in Cross River State?
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria sealed a total of 505 illegal and non-compliant drug premises across 10 local government areas in Cross River State. This figure includes 291 illegal outlets, 54 pharmacies, and 160 patent medicine stores.
What were the consequences for operators of non-compliant drug facilities?
Beyond the sealing of premises and issuing of compliance directives, the PCN's enforcement now carries significant legal weight. An operator, Mrs. Ezea Asidora Kamchekwube, was recently sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court for running unlicensed shops, signaling tougher penalties.
How widespread is non-compliance among licensed pharmacies in Cross River?
Even among licensed operators, compliance is a significant issue. Only 42.5 percent of registered pharmacies inspected were fully compliant, and just 26.8 percent of patent medicine vendors met regulatory standards, indicating widespread failure to meet required guidelines.