FROM THE REGISTRAR’S DESK – October 01, 2019

PCN/C.6016/VOL.1/39

October 01 2019

Dear Colleagues

UPDATE FROM THE REGISTRY

On behalf of the Registry, I would like to wish you all a happy Independence Day Celebration. As men of honour, I believe strongly that we would join hands together to help provide safe and effective medicines for the teeming Nigerian population.

Pursuant to the PCN objective to be ICT driven in all its operations, the organisation has commenced the process of Pre-certification Examination for Pharmacists (PEP) via Computer Based Test.  On this note, candidates are hereby informed that the October, 2019 PEP comes up on October 19, 2019 at eight (8) designated centres across the country.  The examination would be conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT) and registration closes on October 05, 2019.  Registered candidates who wish to change their examination centre are expected to do so on or before October 12, 2019.

Sanitizing drug distribution channel remains a hallmark of PCN activities to ensure that Nigerians get drugs from only PCN registered facilities.  Hence, the National Enforcement Team of the PCN visited Jigawa State in the month of September, 2019 and sealed 5 illegal Pharmacies and 327 Patent Medicines Shop for not complying with PCN regulatory provisions.

The PCN is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers and the general public are updated on emerging drug safety information received from NAFDAC.  US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed NAFDAC that Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC is recalling Flourouracil injection, USP 5g/100ml (50mg/ml), 100ml fill in a 100ml vials due to the potential for glass particulate, respectively NDC number 63323-117-69, 63323-117-61 and Lot number 6120341, 6120420 that are affected.

Furthermore, Edward Lifesciences, LLC recalls Intraclude Intra-Aortic Occlusion Device use in patient undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass due a risk of balloon rupture during use which compromises safety of the patient because it may cause neurological damage, embolism, stroke and death.  The specification of the device is ICF100, 10.5Fr (3.5mm) x 39.4” (100cm), RxOnly, sterile ED, (Clamp or vascular) with LOT numbers: 60972890, 61078031, 61097633, 61139239, 61259627, 61259628, 61713218, 61723505, 61898939.

Again FDA has warned compounders to stop the use of glutathione-L-reduced powder distributed by Lecto Medical, Decatur, Alabama, to compound sterile injectable drugs for patients due to reported adverse reactions ranging from nausea and vomiting to difficulty in breathing due to potential endotoxins.  Glutathione is used for treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, preventing aging, treating or preventing alcoholism, asthma, cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, diseases that weaken the immune system, memory loss, osteoporosis and parkinsons disease.  The Lots of Gluthathione-L-reduced powder affected are: 1808030041, 1808030042, 1808030043, 1808030044, 1808030045, 1808290090, 1808290091, 1808290092, 1808290093, 1810150048, 1810150049, 1810150050, 1810150051, with expiration date of 6/7/2020.

In the month of September, 2019, the Registrar attended some International Health related Conferences and made paper presentations on topical issues which affect the Global Health and Health of Nigerians in particular.  At NAPPSA Conference the paper presented by the Registrar was on “Harnessing the Fruits of Special PharmD Programme – The Impact on Pharmacy Education and Practice in Nigeria”.

The Registrar also presented a paper at the Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru on Managing Health Sector Conflict for Effective Health Delivery to the participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) No. 41, 2019 in a Panelist setting with others medical practitioners including the President of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), representative of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, representatives of the Registrar of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLCN), and representative of Centre for Health and alternative medicine.

As you would recall, following the request by some industry stakeholders, the council suspended its plan to restrict registration of colleagues who hadn’t concluded their long outstanding modules in the completed MCPD cycle 5 (Module 10, 11, 12).  A grace period of 1 year was given for colleagues to regularise their MCPD status.

Please note that with effect from January 01, 2020, colleagues who fail to complete this module would not be able to complete their annual registration. To confirm your status, please visit www.pcnmcpd.com/web.

Colleagues are also encouraged to complete the current cycle modules of 13, 14 and 15 which are practice specific and can be accessed either in the traditional classroom format or online. Some PCN accredited conferences and events also carry MCPD points. Plans are at advanced stages to further enrich the MCPD curriculum and content to ensure it meets the contemporary needs of the practicing Nigerian Pharmacist.

As we enter the last quarter of this year, the Registry promises to provide adequate regulatory leadership with a view to helping colleagues achieve professional excellence in their chosen endeavours.  As your registrar, I promise to do my best to help positively position the practice of Pharmacy in Nigeria. Once again, i wish you a Happy Independence Day Celebration.

Yours in Service,
Elijah Mohammed, FPSN, FNIM, FPCPharm, FNAPharm,