PHARMACISTS ACT
Act · Health
An Act establishes the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to regulate the pharmacy profession and set standards for practice. It targets licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and health facilities. This ensures safe medication dispensing and protects patients from risks.
PHARMACISTS ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) as the regulatory body for the pharmacy profession, registering pharmacists and pharmacy premises, and setting standards for pharmaceutical practice.
Who Does It Target?
Licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians Pharmacy premises and drug stores NAFDAC and PCN as regulatory partners Hospitals and health facilities with pharmaceutical services
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure only qualified, registered pharmacists dispense medicines and manage pharmaceutical services in Nigeria, protecting patients from unsafe medication practices.
Key Features
PCN Establishment: Creates the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria as the regulatory body. Registration: All practising pharmacists must be registered with PCN. Premises Registration: All pharmacies and drug stores must be registered and inspected. Discipline: PCN investigates and sanctions pharmacists for professional misconduct.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — PCN fully operational Coverage: Nationwide pharmaceutical sector Beneficiaries: Patients; medicine quality; pharmacy profession Funding: Registration fees
How to Access
Hold a B.Pharm degree and complete internship Register with PCN before practising Annual practising certificate renewal required Application method: Apply for PCN registration at https://www.pcn.gov.ng
Important Terms
Only PCN-registered pharmacists may supervise pharmaceutical services Dispensing prescription medicines without a pharmacist is illegal PCN inspects registered pharmacies annually for compliance
Official Resources
Website: https://www.pcn.gov.ng Contact: Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap P17 LFN 2004, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993, the Food and Drugs Act Cap F32 LFN 2004, and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) standards.