UPDATE FROM THE REGISTRY – June 01, 2020

PCN/C.6016/VOL.1/46

June 01, 2020

Dear Colleagues

UPDATE FROM THE REGISTRY

On behalf of the management and staff of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, I bring warm greetings to all players in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry. The PCN is particularly delighted at the way Pharmacists in all spheres of practices have conducted themselves ethically while delivering exceptional service as we all strive to contain the COVID 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we observed that some colleagues were harassed by law enforcement officials as they went about their lawful duties. To this end, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has decided to re-produce Identification Cards for all registered and licensed Pharmacists in Nigeria free of charge.

The proactive measure taken by the Council to automate its processes especially Licensing and Continuing Education is beginning to yield dividends. In spite of the lockdown, the Registration and Licensing of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical premises has continued to run seamlessly. Unfortunately, applications from fresh applicants which are paper based were affected by the lockdown. Let me assure all the applicants that the paper based forms so received are being processed for registration and issuance of licenses along with other applications received online.

The first cycle of the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme (FPGOP) earlier put on hold due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic would take place as soon as it is safe to do so. We therefore appeal to all prospective applicants to please be patient. I would also like to appeal to all prospective Pharmacists awaiting induction in some Faculties of Pharmacy to be assured that the Council is exploring all avenues to ensure that they are inducted into the Profession as soon as possible.

The restriction of movement in several parts of the country has hampered the activities of the national enforcement team. However, the team is strategizing and will soon commence activities in order to ensure that only registered and licensed premises are allowed to service the citizens. In doing so, PCN will take all necessary safety measures to protect the enforcement team. Furthermore, it is heartwarming that inspection activities which was also put on hold, have kicked off in most States of the Federation where lockdown has been eased.

However, I would like to encourage all pharmacists to take advantage of the different Federal Government initiatives aimed at developing the healthcare sector especially the Pharmaceutical industry.

As I conclude, I wish to express, on behalf of the management and staff of PCN, our sympathy to the family of late Mallam D.S. Wali, FPSN, and the entire pharmacy family on the death of AN ICON of pharmacy, a complete gentleman, a mentor and motivator, a bridge builder across religious, ethnic, generational and professional boundaries.

 Yours in Service,

 Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, PhD, FPSN, FNIM, FPCPharm, FNAPharm
Registrar