Pharmacists Council Shuts 160 Drug Shops In Akwa Ibom

PCN

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 160 drug shops in Akwa Ibom State for dispensing poisons and engaging in other unauthorized services to members of the public.

The Deputy Director and Head of Enforcement, PCN Abuja, Stephen Esumobi announced this on Friday while briefing Journalists after a one week visit of the enforcement teams of the Council to the state.

“Our enforcement teams have been in Akwa Ibom State since the beginning of this week. The teams were in the state capital and 17 local government areas which include Uruan, Itu, Abak, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Mkpat Enim, Ikot Abasi, Etim Ekpo, Onna, Etinam, Eket, Esit Eket, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ibium, Ikot Ekpene, Ibiono Ibom and Ikono,” said Esumobi.

“While the level of compliance by premises in the state capital is encouraging this cannot be said of most premises in the local government areas. It was observed that so many premises commenced operations without following the laid down guidelines.”

The PCN had in July sealed 12 pharmacies and 224 patent medicine shops in Ekiti State, and 123 pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Osun State, for offences ranging from illegal sale of medicines and operating without the supervision of a pharmacist. In August, the council also sealed 148 medicine shops in Cross River for unauthorized sales of patent medicines to consumers.