The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 572 pharmacies and patent medicine stores across Plateau State for regulatory violations, including operating without valid licences, unauthorised clinical practice, running illegal drug outlets, and obstructing inspectors.

According to the Council's Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, inspectors examined 778 premises across several local government areas, including Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Shendam, Barkin Ladi, Qua’an Pan and Bassa. The facilities inspected comprised 199 pharmacies, 499 patent medicine stores, and 80 illegal medicine outlets.

The enforcement exercise resulted in the closure of 120 pharmacies, 372 patent medicine stores, and all 80 illegal outlets, while five operators received compliance directives. The Council said about 60% of the pharmacies inspected failed to meet required standards.

PCN stated that the operation was aimed at enforcing pharmaceutical regulations, sanitising the drug distribution system, and protecting public health by ensuring medicines are handled only by qualified and licensed professionals.