Repositioning for efficiency: FG unveils new PCN Act

..Gives more power to Registrar

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

To be more efficient and effective in its regulatory function, the federal government has unveiled the new Act guiding the operation of pharmaceutical outlets, premises, and practices in the country.

The Act has transformed from Pharmacists  Council of Nigeria (PCN) to Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) with more responsibilities.

Unveiling the new Act in Abuja at the weekend, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Prof. Ahmed T. Mora said all the legal instruments from 1927 till date were aimed at addressing the same issues bordering on Pharmacy education and training as well as practice as in regulation and control.

He how ever enumerated the standing of the new Act to include the composition of the Council – Membership of the Governing Council which has

 at present, all present Council members and three pharmacy Technicians, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or representative,

Registrar as member and Secretary.

The chairman stated further that the present 7th Governing Council reinstated all DPSs & Deans in its meeting of 9th July, 2020

According to him, the establishment of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria puts the appointment of the Chairman at not less than twenty five years against the former which was not less fifteen (15) years post registration.

On tenure required, the Governing Council chairman said the tenure of Chairman and Council members has been extended from three years to four years.

“8 members from such states of the Federation  appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the PSN. Additional qualification of at least 10 years post qualification for 8 members to represent the geopolitical zones of the Federation  appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the PSN.

“The new law requires experience of not less than 10 years for nominees from geopolitical zones.” The Registrar is to also be a Council member.

The new law confers power on the Registrar to revoke licences in instances of breach. Council specifically given power to regulate all stakeholders involved in pharmacy distribution chain all the way

Others, he said includes, inclusion of all stakeholders involved in  pharmacy distribution chain,

specific provision for sealing of pharmaceutical premises where offences are committed, increase in fines from N250, 000 to 1 million naira to be paid for offences

The new Act also stipulated that the PCN must be notified before any action can be brought against it

It expressly states that the Federal High court has jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal and civil matters under this Act

The governing council chairman used the occasion to commend President Buhari for signing the PCN bill in to law, even as he lauded the efforts of the top officers of the national assembly over their contributions to the survival of the bill .

Informing that the PCN law has now been gazetted as federal republic of Nigeria official gazette, the governing council boss said president Buhari is the first civilian president of the country since the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates to form what is called Nigeria in 1914, to uplift the instrument of regulating pharmacy education and practice in Nigeria in that manner.