NAFDAC and Pharmacist Council of Nigeria Crack Down on Unregistered Medicine Outlets in Kano
In a collaborative effort between the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), a decisive raid was carried out on Monday, resulting in the closure of over 1,300 unregistered patent medicine outlets in the bustling Sabon Gari open market in Kano.
The joint enforcement operation, following a recent Federal High Court ruling, mandated the eviction of drug dealers from their current premises in the open market to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro village along the Zaria road.
Mr. Francis Ononiwu, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, highlighted the necessity of this closure, citing the persistent threat posed to public health by the distribution of substandard pharmaceuticals by these unlicensed vendors. He emphasized the imperative of upholding regulatory standards to ensure the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products available to the public.
Mr. Ononiwu reiterated that the relocation to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic move in combating drug abuse within the country. He stressed the need for the dealers to understand the positive impact of this relocation on public health.
However, the eviction order faced resistance from the affected medicine dealers, who marched to the Kano state government House to express their grievances. Led by Alh. Musbahu Khalid, the Chairman of the association, they protested against what they perceived as exploitation by the owners of the new centre.
In response, Alh. Shehu Sagagi, Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, urged the aggrieved dealers to remain calm and assured them of the government's commitment to finding a resolution to the situation.
The crackdown on unregistered medicine outlets underscores the government's determination to enforce regulatory standards and safeguard public health against the dangers posed by counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals.
