The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), has sealed over 283 drug stores in Zamfara State for allegedly operating illegally.

The council’s Head of Inspection and monitoring, Antonia Aruya said this after an inspection of some pharmacies and patent medicine outlets within the state capital.

The affected stores were said to have been operating without approval from the council and selling unapproved drugs to the public.

Deputyuty Director in charge of Enforcement, Stephen Esumobi said over 200 drug shops and pharmacies were operating without a license, including selling unapproved medicines were discovered, and thereafter sealed by the council.

The Council’s Head of Inspection and Monitoring, Mrs Antonia Aruya, urged all stakeholders to follow the laid down laws that regulate the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria. She also advised the public to always purchase drugs from licensed pharmacies and patent medicine stores.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria says the war against fake and substandard drugs is a collective effort that should involve all stakeholders.

The war, according to the council, is to ensure rational distribution and dispensing of medicines that are safe, effective and of good quality to the public.