Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Who We Are?
Brief History
Pharmacy practice in Nigeria is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). PCN is a Federal Government parastatal established by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022, charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling pharmacy education, training and practice in all aspects and ramifications, including regulating Pharmacy Technicians and Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors (PPMVs).
- Determines what standard of knowledge and skill are to be attained by persons seeking to become Pharmacists in Nigeria
- Establishes and maintains a register of pharmacists and secures the publication from time to time of the list of those names as entered in the register.
- Issues pharmacists Oath and Code of Ethics.
- Appoints pharmaceutical inspectors to ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the law by inspection and monitoring of premises where pharmaceutical endeavours take place.
- Maintains a register of Pharmacy Technicians.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to effectively regulate and control the training and practice of pharmaceutical service providers through the instrumentality of capacity building.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create an enabling and regulated environment for the provision of quality pharmaceutical
services for sustainable health care delivery.
Quality Policy Statement
PCN is committed to ensuring the provision of sustainable pharmaceutical regulatory services (personnel, premises, and practice) for the well-being of the populace. In achieving this, PCN equips its staff and stakeholders through capacity development and deployment of appropriate technology while providing standards of practice in line with national and international applicable regulations.
We constantly improve our Quality Management System processes to ensure continued relevance, effective use of resources, and stakeholders’ satisfaction. Accordingly, this quality policy statement is:
a. Documented and revised as expedient.
b. Communicated, understood, and applied within PCN.
Here’s a glimpse into our key regulatory activities
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) plays a crucial role in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape of the country through its comprehensive regulatory activities. As the primary regulatory body for the pharmacy profession in Nigeria, PCN is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of practice, education, and ethics within the industry.
Through these regulatory activities, PCN is committed to advancing the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of excellence and contributes to the overall health and well-being of the public.
PCN sets and enforces rigorous standards for pharmacy education and training institutions across Nigeria. We ensure that pharmacy programs adhere to national and international best practices, providing future pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice.
We are responsible for the licensing and certification of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other related professionals. Our rigorous certification processes ensure that only qualified individuals are permitted to practice, maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the pharmacy sector.
PCN conducts regular inspections and audits of pharmacies, including retail outlets and hospital pharmacies, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Our oversight helps in the prevention of unethical practices and ensures that pharmacies operate in accordance with established guidelines.
We mandate ongoing education and professional development for pharmacists to ensure they stay current with advancements in the field. This includes organizing training programs, workshops, and seminars that address emerging trends and innovations in pharmaceutical care.
Our regulatory activities extend to overseeing pharmacy practices, including the dispensing of medications, patient counseling, and the management of pharmaceutical services. We work to ensure that all practices adhere to ethical standards and contribute to optimal patient care.
PCN actively engages with the public to address concerns related to pharmaceutical services. We handle complaints and ensure that any issues are resolved in a manner that upholds the quality and safety of pharmaceutical care.
We collaborate with other regulatory bodies, professional organizations, and stakeholders to harmonize standards and practices within the pharmaceutical industry. This cooperation helps to align local practices with global standards and fosters a cohesive approach to pharmaceutical regulation.
additional sections about PCN
Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Learn more about PCN by clicking on any of the links
Management Team
Click here to discover more about the exceptional management team at PCN
Zonal Offices
Click here to learn more about PCN's zonal technical offices throughout Nigeria.
Department & Units
Click here to explore the structure of PCN.
Educations
Click here to discover more about the courses accredited by PCN.
Publications
Click here to access and download publications and resources from PCN.
Newsletter
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