The Pharmacy Council has closed 666 drugstores in Kaduna.

 The Pharmacy Council has closed 666 drugstores in Kaduna.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has closed 666 unauthorized medicine shops in Kaduna State due to their illegal operations and breach of National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

The crackdown, which started earlier this week, targeted various open drug markets and other locations throughout the state where medicines were sold without proper registration and oversight.

This action is intended to ensure the safe and effective distribution of drugs, safeguard public health, and prevent the sale of dangerous substances.

At a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, PCN Director of Enforcement, Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, reported that the closures included 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 306 other illegal medicine outlets.

Esumobi mentioned that the PCN team inspected 895 locations during the operation, issuing 9 compliance orders to shop owners found operating illegally.

He stated, "By the conclusion of the enforcement exercise, which began earlier this week, a total of 895 premises were inspected. This included 75 pharmacies, 514 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal establishments.

"A total of 666 premises were sealed. These included 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal medicine shops."

Esumobi cautioned that the PCN would not hesitate to take additional measures against non-compliant medicine dealers. He also mentioned that the council would support owners of sealed shops who are willing to adhere to the regulations.