The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed up 531 illegal pharmacies and patent medicines premises in the Federal Capital Territory, for various offences. Esumobi noted that they have seen cases where licensed patent medicine shops administer drugs with narrow margins of safety through the intravenous route in unhygienic environments. Orientation and continuing education programmes have been organised for owners of Patent Medicine shops in FCT on a regular basis. Esumobi explained that this is made up of 235 pharmacies, 336 patent medicine shops and 337 illegal premises. The premises sealed include 90 pharmacies, 144 patent medicine shops and 297 illegal medicine shops.”He added, “Non-renewal of premises certificates, stocking and sale of medicines above the approved medicine list for Patent Medicine Vendors, wholesalers carrying out retail activities, Patent Medicine Shops engaging in Clinical Practice, Poor documentation, Poor storage facilities, Stocking of Ethical products without the supervision of a pharmacist.

Source: The Guardian June 28, 2024 18:46 UTC