By Hassan Zaggi
The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has solicited for the support of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) in an effort to ensure effective regulation of drug importation in the country.
Speaking when he led a 7-man delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) at the NCS Headquarters, the Chairman, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora, said that the essence of the visit was to seek collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service towards enhancing regulatory activities of the PCN.
While saying there is a convergence in the functions of the NCS and the PCN, Prof. Mora, said: “It is a known fact that the NCS regulates and controls all items of import including medicines (drugs). The PCN on the other hand issues premises certificates and regulates the practice of all pharmaceutical importers.
“The PCN is particularly pleased that premises licence is an important instrument in the processing of importation and clearing of medicines by the Nigeria Customs Service.”
While commending the NCS boss for the opportunity of the visit despite his tight schedule, Prof. Mora explained that: “The PCN is a parastatal of the Federal Government established by PCN Act P.17, LFN 2004 and charged with the responsibility to regulate and control pharmacy education training and practice in all aspects and ramifications.
“Pursuant to the PCN Act Cap P17, LFN 2004, PCN have responsibility amongst others of inspection, registration and licensure of all premises where pharmaceutical activities take place (Manufacturing, Importation, Distribution and Retail Premises, Hospital Pharmacies and Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors shops (PPMVs).
“In carrying out this mandate, the PCN established structures such as Pharmaceutical Inspection Committees (PICs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors Licence Committees (PPMVLCs) in all States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This is to ensure rational distribution of medicines.
“Similarly, the PCN embarks on accreditation of institution involved in the training of Pharmacists (Faculties of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences) in the Universities) as well as institutions responsible for the training of the pharmacy sub-cadre workforce, Pharmacy Technicians (Colleges/Schools of Health Technology) in Nigeria.
“The goal is to ensure compliance with Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS).”
Responding, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) reiterated the need for what he described as a strong synergy between NCS and PCN for the purpose of effectively regulating the drug importation channels, ensuring that only authentic drugs are imported into Nigeria and possibly, reducing the use of illicit drugs in the country.
He reassured of his organisation’s continued partnership and commitment towards assisting PCN in achieving her mandate through effective regulation and control of all items of import, including medicines.
This, he said, would positively impact the economy of the country as well as the well-being of Nigerians.
