Lagos pharmacists raise concern over drug regulation gaps, seek PCN Council

Lagos State's Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has highlighted significant concerns over gaps in pharmaceutical regulation, warning that these issues could jeopardize medicine safety and professional standards. The society urged the Federal Government to promptly establish the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria's Governing Council, stating that the delay has affected crucial responsibilities like accreditation, professional discipline, and oversight of pharmacy practices.

The Lagos branch's chairman, Pharm Olaitan Ogunlade, pointed out a shortage of pharmacists within the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services, limiting the agency's capacity to conduct drug inspections, quality control, and enforcement against counterfeit medicines. He called for more pharmacists to be recruited into this position and for key regulatory roles to be filled by qualified professionals.

The PSN also emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to officially establish the PCN Governing Council, which has been lacking for the past three years, thereby impacting accreditation of training institutions, disciplinary proceedings, and other vital aspects of pharmacy regulation. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, advocated for stricter regulation of medicines, warning that the unchecked use of controlled drugs could pose severe public health and environmental risks.

He stressed that controlled substances should be subject to rigorous controls and that regulation should encompass hospitals, community pharmacies, laboratories, and veterinary services. Abayomi pointed out that community pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendors, and traditional medicine practitioners play pivotal roles in Lagos's healthcare system, often serving as the initial point of contact for most residents seeking treatment.

Rather than sidelining these providers, he proposed integrating them into a more robust regulatory and referral framework.