OGUN READS RIOT ACT TO Illegal 'CHEMISTS'

                                             Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State 

 Ogun State Government says it will no longer tolerate activities of illegal Pharmaceutical operators locally known as 'Chemists' and those already existing but found wanting would be sanctioned.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde made this known during the 8th Mandatory Orientation Programme for Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors in the State, organised by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Oladehinde expressed concern over the growing operations of illegal pharmacy premises and patent medicine stores, especially in border towns, saying the State’s Pharmaceutical inspectors had been empowered to deal with individuals engaging in the unauthorised selling of prescription drugs.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, and the Chairman, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor License Committee (PPMVLC), Ogun State, Pharm. Kayode Shotunde said the Ministry had noticed illegal pharmaceutical operations across the State, adding that anyone found culpable would be dealt with.

According to Dr. Oladehinde, "We will impose strict sanctions which include; sealing of the premises, imposition of fines, and litigation in court on operators who do not have a license or engages in practices that contravene the rules and regulations of the PCN”.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration would continue to create an enabling environment for relevant stakeholders in the area of distribution of safe drugs to the people of the State.

In his address, the Registrar, PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by the Zonal Director, Dr. Yejide Oseni, said that the Council had set machinery in motion to ensure that the provisions of its guidelines were enforced, saying it would ensure that only licensed shops were allowed to sell simple household medicines across the country.

One of the participants, Titilayo Adegbenro, appreciated the organisers of the workshop for providing an opportunity for patent medicine store owners to learn more about the drug distribution industry.