572 Medicine Outlets Shut Down in Plateau State

The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed 572 medicine outlets across Plateau State due to violations of pharmaceutical regulations. Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, head of enforcement at PCN, disclosed this during a press conference in Jos on Friday, following a four-day enforcement exercise.

The operation inspected 778 premises, including 199 pharmacies, 499 patent medicine stores, and 80 illegal outlets, resulting in the sealing of 572 premises: 120 pharmacies, 372 patent medicine stores, and 80 illegal outlets. Chiroma noted that 60% of the pharmacies inspected were sealed, reflecting serious concerns about pharmaceutical practices in the state.

The enforcement initiative is part of efforts to improve Nigeria's chaotic drug distribution system and eliminate non-professional actors from the pharmaceutical supply chain. The council raised alarms about the prevalence of unqualified medicine outlets and unauthorized clinic practices, which pose significant risks to public health and safety.