By Milcah Tanimu

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has intensified its enforcement efforts in Bauchi State, resulting in the closure of 571 pharmaceutical premises, including pharmacies and medicine shops. This move aims to address significant regulatory breaches and ensure compliance with established standards.

In a press briefing on Thursday, the PCN’s Bauchi office revealed that the crackdown involved 37 licensed pharmacies, 144 patent medicine shops, and 390 unlicensed medicine shops. Stephen Esumobi, Director of Enforcement at PCN, highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that medicines remain safe and effective throughout their lifecycle.

Esumobi explained, “For medicine to deliver the desired therapeutic outcomes, it must be stored under appropriate conditions, including proper temperature and humidity controls. Poor storage facilities can compromise the stability and therapeutic benefits of medicines.”

The enforcement team’s actions come in response to several identified issues, including:

– *Operation Without Proper Registration*: Many premises were found to be operating without the necessary registrations and expired certificates.
– *Inadequate Storage Conditions*: Poor storage facilities were a common problem, which can affect the quality and efficacy of medicines.
– *Improper Practices*: Some shops were found stocking medicines outside the approved list and engaging in clinical services without proper authorization.
– *Sale of Substances of Abuse*: Illegal dealers were discovered selling large quantities of controlled substances, exacerbating social and security issues.

Esumobi noted that such breaches contribute to treatment failures and preventable deaths. The PCN had previously visited Bauchi in 2022 to address similar issues, but the recent inspection revealed continued non-compliance.

He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the PCN to monitor and regulate pharmaceutical practices. “Our state and zonal offices have been instructed to maintain rigorous oversight to ensure all pharmaceutical premises adhere to the laws and regulations,” Esumobi said.

The PCN’s enforcement measures reflect a broader effort to improve pharmaceutical standards and protect public health across the country.