The Plateau State Ministry of Health has sealed Zenith Life Hospital Pharmacy in Jos following allegations that an expired Ringer’s Lactate intravenous fluid was administered to a patient in its facility.
Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure on Saturday in Jos, when he briefed newsmen.
Baamlong said that an expired Ringer’s Lactate infusion, with batch No. B21284, with a manufacturing date of November 2021 and an expiry date of October 2024, was administered to the patient.
The commissioner said the action followed an investigation by the ministry, in collaboration with the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (DMCMA).
He added that the investigation was also carried out in conjunction with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the investigation revealed serious breaches of pharmaceutical and clinical practice, including operating without a licensed pharmacist, poor medicine management practices and other sharp and unprofessional practices capable of endangering citizens’ and patients’ lives.
He stated that the pharmacy would remain closed pending full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Baamlong further said that appropriate sanctions would be applied where culpability is established in accordance with the Pharmacy Act 2022 (No. 31), section 54.
“The state government treats patient safety and quality healthcare delivery as “non-negotiable.
“In line with established regulatory procedures and in the interest of public safety, the hospital pharmacy would remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations and full compliance with the regulatory requirements,” he said.
Baamlong reaffirmed the state’s zero tolerance for quackery, negligence and unethical practices in the health sector.
He reminded healthcare providers of their professional and moral obligation and the need to adhere strictly to regulatory standards, especially in terms of medicine handling, staffing and patients’ care.
