PCN Reviewing Some Regulatory Provisions Following Stakeholder Concerns

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has disclosed that some of its regulatory provisions are currently under review, with anticipated reforms expected to make aspects of enforcement more balanced while preserving professional standards.

The disclosure was made during the Town Hall Meeting held as part of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), where community pharmacists engaged representatives of the Council and other stakeholders in an open discussion on regulatory and professional issues affecting pharmacy practice.

The discussion was prompted by concerns from several community pharmacists who argued that certain enforcement measures have become excessively punitive. Some participants expressed the view that pharmacists are, at times, treated more like offenders than professional colleagues during regulatory activities.

Concerns were also raised over the practice of sealing pharmacy premises for regulatory infractions, with participants arguing that while enforcement is necessary, prolonged closure of premises can undermine public confidence and negatively affect legitimate businesses even after compliance issues have been addressed.

Responding to the concerns, the PCN representative acknowledged that some regulatory measures may appear stringent. However, he maintained that the Council's enforcement actions are designed to protect public health and eliminate the activities of unqualified practitioners and other illegal operators within the pharmaceutical sector.

He further disclosed that several regulatory provisions are currently undergoing review, with expected reforms aimed at making certain aspects of enforcement more balanced while ensuring that professional and ethical standards are not compromised.

The Town Hall also featured discussions on the expansion of hospital pharmacy regulation, the circulation of unregistered medicines, and the need for sustained collaboration between regulators and practitioners to strengthen pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

Participants welcomed the opportunity for direct engagement with regulatory authorities and expressed optimism that the concerns raised during the session would contribute to meaningful improvements in pharmacy regulation and professional practice.