The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 443 pharmaceutical premises across Taraba State, following a rigorous four-day enforcement exercise aimed at curbing the proliferation of unqualified medicine vendors.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the Head of Enforcement at the PCN, Dr. S.S. Chiroma, urged residents of Taraba and Nigerians at large to exercise caution when obtaining their medicines to avoid endangering their health through unregulated drug sources.

While calling on the public to report illegal medicine vendors to the council’s state office in Jalingo, Chiroma revealed that the enforcement team visited nine out of the 16 local government areas in the state, including Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo-Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro. During the operation, a total of 656 premises were inspected, comprising 83 pharmacies and 573 patent medicine shops.

Out of these, 443 premises, 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops were sealed for various offences. Additionally, 10 others were issued compliance directives.

Among the violations cited were illegal operation without registration, non-renewal of licenses, unauthorised clinical practices, illegal access to controlled medicines, overstocking beyond approved patent lists, improper training of apprentices, and unauthorised wholesale distribution.

The council emphasised the need to strictly adhere to the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which, according to Dr. Chiroma, outline the proper flow of medicines from manufacturers or importers down to the end user.

Chiroma said the enforcement is part of efforts to eliminate unqualified individuals from the pharmaceutical practice and ensure safe and effective access to medicines in Nigeria.

“This will enable us to stamp out the unprofessional handling of medicines by persons not recognised under the PCN Act,” he stated.