On behalf of the staff and management of the pharmacists council of Nigeria, I wish you all a very joyful and rewarding New year. At the pharmacists Council of Nigeria, we remain committed to delivering cutting edge regulatory services that exceeds the expectations of the Practicing Nigerian Pharmacist

 

In 2017, a total of 3129 premises, mainly patent medicine stores, were sealed following our dogged determination to rid the practice environment of illegal premises. In 2017, we also successfully vacated a number of long standing court injuctions that had held the council back for so long

 

In a bid to strengthen our enforcement activities, the PCN has launced a digital malpractice reporting platform. This platform helps pharmacists all over the country report a professional malpractice immediately it is observed anywhere in the country. These malpractices could include individual professional malpractice, illegal premises (pharmacy or patent medicine store) and any other malpractice observed. This information goes into a central database monitored by the office of the Registrar and prompt action would be taken on all reports received. The platform also allows for anonymous reports . To make a report, please visit www.pcn.gov.ng and click on the REPORT MALPRACTICE tab

 

In line with the Governments bid to ensure the closure of the open drug market by Dec 31 2018, the leadership of the federal ministry of health has continued its advocacy visits and the next port of call is the office of the executive governor of Abia state to observe the progress achieved so far in the construction of the consolidated wholesale centre in abia state

 

A total of 2131 new pharmacists were inducted into the pharmacy profession in 2017. This includes the 55 from olabisi onabanjo university in Ago iwoye and 90 from university of portharcourt who joined our noble profession inthe month of Dec 2017. I believe strongly that as we continue to induct more pharmacists into our noble profession, the average Nigerian would better feel the impact and relevance of pharmacists. Furthermore, interns inlagos seeking for internship spaces should visit worlwide ventures limited. PCN has recently given the company provisional approval for internship program after a working visit by the registrar

 

As the New year begins in earnest, i would implore all colleagues to immediately commence the process of renewing their annual licences (individual and premises). I am confident that everyone concerned has concluded the MCPD Cycle 4 (Module 10,11 and 12) either using the classroom or online platforms. Defaulters may not be able to successfully complete the licence renewal process for 2018.

 

I am glad to announce to you that Module 14 has now been released in addition to Module 13 earlier released in october 2017 and it can be accessed both online and in the traditional classroom format

 

In line with our decision to restore sanity into the drug distribution system in Nigeria, we held a high level strategic meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Dealers (NAPPMED) in December 2017. The national leadership of the association as well as all the presidents of the various state chapters FCT inclusive attended the meeting. It was a very productive meeting and we expect to see a high level of compliance among NAPPMED members going forward in 2018

 

Once again, i reiterate my committment to leading a very agile and responsive counci and wish you all a successful 2018.

 

Yours in Service

 

Elijah Mohammed