The Structure And Function Of Pharmacists Council Of Nigeria (P.C.N)

PCN

For those who have been reading this blog for some time now, you must have come across the organisation ‘Pharmacists Council Of Nigeria (P.C.N)’ a couple of times.

This is because this organisation, which came into play since 1992 have a lot of roles it plays in the life of those aspiring to be pharmacist, undergraduates and pharmacist in general within the country.

Today, we shall see what this organisation is all about and how it has so much to play in the life of every pharmacist out there. The organisational structure and how it operates shall be explained here. From today onward, we all will know much about them.

Read Also: Structure and function of PSN

PCN, an organisation that was instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria (F.G.N) in the year 1992 (Decree now Act) controls and regulates every aspect of pharmacy practice in Nigeria. This range from both education pharmacy students receives to how pharmacy practice within Nigeria.

Functions Of PCN

The following are the main functions of PCN

1. It regulate and control the standard of knowledge and skills acquired by pharmacy students including technicians
2. They register all pharmacist who intends to practice in Nigeria
3. Formulates the code of ethics while giving oath on graduation
4. Appoints inspectors of any establishment relating to pharmacy

Structure Of PCN

                                Organogram Of PCN

Seven departments and three units, 8 zonal offices including 36 offices across all the states in Nigeria

Each start or zonal offices have similar organogram. For example, Lagos state with Production inspection Unit who inspects quality of drugs produced in Lagos.
Membership

So, who are those who make up PCN? They are no ghost or foreigners. They are pharmacists from various works of life. Funny enough as a pharmacy student, one may be close to you. Let us see how the members are ranked.

There are two sets of members. Both categories have conditions before any person can be accepted into the organisation. They are:

1. Member: They are made up of fully registered pharmacist who have passed the councils examination
2. Associate Member: A formal member that have been deem fit by the council to be upgraded following a formal application.

• Chairman: For any person to be qualified to become a chairperson in this association, he must have practice the profession for at least 15 years. He serve 3 years tenure, which can be renewed on re-election just once.
• From the Federal Ministry Of Health, a person who is the director of food and drugs administration and control who must be a pharmacist or any high ranking pharmacist from the Ministry
• The president of PSN
• Director of pharmaceutical services f each state ministry of 36 states including Federal capital territory
• All deans from each accredited pharmacy school
• Eight members from selected states of the 6 geo political areas by the minister on recommendation from PSN (not more than a member from one state)
• The registrar

The Registrar Of PCN

The position of the registrar is by appointment by the council members. The registrar must be a registered pharmacist in Nigeria of Nigerian nationality. He is the secretary to the council and discipline tribune.

Read Also: Structure and function of NAFDAC

Functions Of The Registrar

1. To register names, address, approve qualifications and particulars of pharmacy or technicians
2. To register premises where members of the profession engage in the manufacture, distribution, sale and dispensing of drugs and medicines 
3. Correct, in accordance with the council’s recommendations in any entry in the register which needs correction as being in the councils opinion
4. To remove the name of any registered person who had died or registration ceased.
5. To remove the names of those who defaulted in any of the councils laws accordingly 
6. Publish information for the general public including publication of qualification for registration

General Function of PCN

• They approve institutions for the training of students  including courses admission conditions, courses offered, making scheme, infrastructure and qualification
• Stocking of library
• Punish offenders
• Organised continuous studies for all categories of pharmacist as a form of continuous education

The function of the attorney general of the federation in PCN is to makes rule as to the selection of members of the discipline tribunal which work hand-in hand with investigative panel. However, those who are both in discipline tribunal and investigative panel do not handle the same case. Either you are into the investigation of the case or you are in the tribunal in a particular case. 

These basic things should give you idea who this PCN truly is. They are getting stronger by the day.

PCN motto is Providing a culture of care for citizens