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Olabode Adaramola
No fewer than over 3,000 Open Drug markets operating beyond standard procedure across the country have been shut down by the Pharmaciutical Council Of Nigeria;(PCN) for being responsible the distribution of illicit drugs and the arrests of more than 10 people in connection with the dispensation of same drugs( illicit drugs)across the country.
The Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed who stated this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, said the Council has already commenced consultations towards closing down open drugs markets in parts of the country.
He stated further that within a period of seven months, that the PCN has effected the closure of open drugs markets in Sabon Gari, Kano, Idumota in Lagos and under the bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
He however assured that the Council was planning to replace the open drugs markets with a coordinated wholesale centre where the public and certified retailers can have access to regulated drugs.
In his welcome address, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State who expressed appreciation to the visit by the officials of the PCN, applauded them for the enforcement of their professional ethics in getting rid of sales of unprescribed drugs.
The Governor urged the Council to fully operationalise their ethics to the letter as drugs abuse among the people especially youths, has reached an alarming rate.
“I want to appeal to this Council to enforce your rules and regulations because right now, anyone can go to any pharmacy and buy any medication that he wants.
“I want to believe that this Council is responsible for making sure that the work ethics of all pharmacists are done according to books. In recent times we have had a lot of pharmacists around and they engage more in the selling of drugs to our young people”, he declared.
The Governor who also congratulated the new Registrar and CEO of the Council Pharmacists Ibrahim Ahmed on his appointment, urged the new Registrar to make Niger State proud and be a worthy ambassador being from the State.
The National Chairman of Pharmarceutical Council of Nigeria( PCN) and leader of the delegation, Pharmacist Ahmed Morah disclosed that they were in Niger State to congratulate the Governor on the recent appointment of a Nigerlite, Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.
He explained that he was the first Pharmacist of Niger State origin to be appointed as the Registrar and CEO of PCN.
He also commended Pharmacists in the state public service for being outstanding in the profession.
The PCN national chairman thereby appreciated the State government for its immense contribution and support to the profession.
