Pharmacists Council of Nigeria

Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) is a federal government agency established by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act of 1992, with the responsibility of regulating the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria. The council ensures the provision of qualitative pharmaceutical services to the Nigerian populace by enforcing standards in both the training and practice of pharmacy. It is tasked with the regulation of the education, training, and practice of pharmacy in all its aspects and ramifications.

Mandate

The mandate of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria includes:

• Ensuring high professional standards in the practice of pharmacy.
• Accrediting pharmacy programs in universities and institutions.
• Licensing of pharmacists and pharmacy premises (including community, hospital, and industrial pharmacies).
• Monitoring and regulating the production, importation, distribution, and sale of drugs and poisons.
• Ensuring the implementation of good pharmacy practice in healthcare delivery.

Functions

The functions of the PCN are broadly categorized into regulatory and advisory roles. These include:

• Setting standards for pharmaceutical services and education.
• Maintaining a register of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and premises where pharmacy is practiced.
• Inspecting and accrediting pharmacy institutions and their programs.
• Conducting examinations for pharmacy technicians.
• Advising the Government of Nigeria on policies and matters of professional and public interest concerning the manufacture, distribution, and control of drugs and poisons.

Registration and Licensing

To practice pharmacy in Nigeria, individuals must be registered with the PCN. The registration process involves:

• Graduating from an accredited institution.
• Completing an internship under a licensed pharmacist.
• Passing the professional examination conducted by the PCN.
• Fulfilling any other requirements as prescribed by the council.

Pharmacy premises are also required to be licensed by the PCN, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for the safe and effective practice of pharmacy.

Challenges and Developments

The PCN faces several challenges in its regulatory functions, including the proliferation of unlicensed pharmacy outlets and the issue of counterfeit drugs. The council actively works with other regulatory bodies and stakeholders to combat these issues and improve the pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria.

In recent years, the PCN has embarked on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. These include continuous professional development programs and the adoption of information technology for more efficient service delivery.

See Also

• Pharmacy in Nigeria
• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
• Healthcare in Nigeria