Pharmacy council shuts 571 medicine outlets in Bauchi

In a bid to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines in circulation, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 571 pharmacies and medicine shops in Bauchi State for operating below standards.

The enforcement exercise, carried out by the PCN’s enforcement team, visited 762 premises, including pharmacies, patent medicine shops, and illegal medicine outlets.

The team found that many of the premises had poor storage facilities, were operating without registration, and had expired or fake medicines.

According to Stephen Esumobi, Director of Enforcement at PCN, “The Council is committed to ensuring that medicines in Nigeria are safe, effective, and of good quality. We will not tolerate any premises that compromise the health and well-being of Nigerians.”

He added that PCN sealed 37 pharmacies, 144 patent medicine shops, and 390 illegal medicine shops for various offenses, including operating without registration, poor documentation, and stocking expired or fake medicines.

The Council directed its state and zonal offices to continue monitoring pharmaceutical premises in Bauchi State to ensure compliance with regulations.