PRINCIPLE OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

PRACTICE
PTP 111

LECTURE NOTES
BY

PHARM. A. S. UMAR

DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

GALTIMA MAI KYARI

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY, NGURU

2023

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Course Outline:

 Origin of Pharmacy
 In the world
 In Nigeria
 Definition of Pharmacist
 Functions and roles
 Definition of a Pharmacy Technician
 Functions and roles
 Relationship to the Pharmacist
 Legal Limitations of a Pharmacy Technician
 Relationship Between the Pharmacy Technician and Other Health Workers
 Relationship between the Pharmacy Technician and the Patient
 Maintenance of good Conduct and Ethics
 Functions and Roles of Drug Regulatory Agencies
 Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)
 National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
 National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
 Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and State Ministry of Health (SMoH)
 Hospital Management Board (HMB)
 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
 Consumer Protection Council (CPC)
 Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)
 Poisons
 Definition
 Classification
 Sale and Dispensing of Poisons
 Storage of Poisons
 Labelling

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HISTORY OF PHARMACY IN THE WORLD

Humans have made tremendous efforts in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The history
of Pharmacy dates as far back as 4000B C, when the ancient Sumerians who lived in the modern
day Iraq and parts of Kuwait used and documented plants, animal, and mineral substance used to
alleviate distress and cure illness. There is also historical evidence supporting attempt to cure
diseases with plants and plant extract in parts of Asia and Africa as far back as 1500 BC.

At that time the practitioners of the healing art combined the roles of priests,
Pharmacists/Herbalists and Physicians, a practice which still continues in some communities
today even though their approach viewed in modern times may not necessarily be scientific.

Progress in Pharmacy continued with compilations and documentations of substances such as

plants and plant derivatives. Examples of such compilations include Egyptian ‘Papyrus Ebers’
(1500 BC), a collection of 800 prescriptions, mentioning 700 drugs; the book of Chinese medical
theory, the Huangdi Neijing or ‘Yellow Emperors Inner Cannon’, dates from around 2000
years ago. Another example of such compilation is the ‘Charak(a) Samhita’- a text on Indian
traditional medicine. The early form of Pharmacopoeia was produced by Acharya Charak and it
gives a description of the medicinal qualities and uses of 100,000 plants and plant derivatives.
The idea of a Pharmacopoeia with official status, to be followed by all apothecaries eventually
came up. This originated in Florence. The Nuovo Receptario, originally written in Italian, was
published and became the legal standard for the city-state in 1498.

It was believed that the first apothecary’s state was established in Baghdad in the Eight century.
Apothecary is a term commonly used to describe a medical practitioner/professional who
supplies medicines. The modern day Pharmacist has taken over this role. However, the word is
still sometimes used to refer to a retail Pharmacy or a Pharmacist who owns one.

Around the beginning of the second millennium, in places like Italy and North Africa, the use of
relatively potent medicines had increased and the need for persons with special skills for the safe
preparation and who knew the uses of those medicines, understood the benefits and also the risks
associated with their use was increasingly required. This led to the issuing of the Constitution of
Melfi of 1231 by Roman Emperor Fredrick II the king of Sicily. This constitution
differentiated the roles of Physicians from Pharmacists.

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But before the separation of the two professions, Galen (130 – 200 AD) practiced and taught
both Pharmacy and Medicine in Rome. He established some basic principle for preparing and
compounding medicines. The word ‘Galenical’ is associated with his name. This refers to a class
of pharmaceuticals compounded by mechanical means.

The time of creation of the profession of Pharmacy as we currently have it in the world differs
from nation to nation. But it is important to note that irrespective of the time of creation, the
existence of Pharmacy as a distinct occupational and professional entity has always been linked
with the regulation of medicine supply and use, and the maintenance of defined standards of
practice.

Initially, the training in pharmacy took the form of apprenticeship and learning by ‘on the job’
training and experience but in the 19th century the first modern era Pharmacy schools began to be
established. Today, to become a Pharmacist, the individual has to be trained in the University for
a period of Five (or Six) years.

Because of the need to have a sub – cadre that assist the Pharmacists in performing his role,
those individuals were called by different names (like Pharmacy Aides, Pharmacy Clerks,
Pharmacy Assistants, Pharmacy Helpers, Pharmacy Support Personnel) were employed.
This sub – cadre is now called a Pharmacy Technician. They also are expected to undergo formal
training (in Nigeria in institutions called Colleges of Health.

Current trend is that the Pharmacist focus on activities such as checking drug interaction and
contraindications, selection of therapy, pharmaceutical care, and patient care outcomes, while the
Pharmacy Technician focus on dispensing of medicines and preparation of medicines and
records keeping activities under the supervision of the Pharmacists.

In summary, Pharmacy as a distinct profession in relation to Pharmacist’s role has had four eras:

1. The Traditional Era (Creation of the profession – 1930): Formulating and dispensing drugs
from natural source.

2. Scientific Era (1930 – 1960): Development of new drugs, scientific testing, mass production
of synthetic drugs and antibiotics.

3. The Clinical Era (1960 – 1990): Pharmacist were exposed to give drug information warnings,
advice and suggestion to patients.

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4. The Pharmaceutical Care Era (1990 – to date): That is the current era where the practice of
Pharmacy is focused on ensuring positive outcomes for drug – related therapies.

HISTORY OF PHARMACY IN NIGERIA

 1887
 European Pharmacy was introduced into Nigeria
 Dr Richard Zacchaeus Bailey opened a chemist shop along Balogun street in Lagos
 1889
 Pharmacy apprenticeship training commenced. The training was conducted by expatriate
Doctors.
 1902
 Pharmacy ordinance was enacted to control the sale and distribution of drugs and poisons
in the colony of Lagos.
 The first Nigerian Pharmacist, Mr. Emmanuel John Caulcrick was entered on the
pharmaceutical chemists register.
 1923
 Poisons and Pharmacy Act Cap 50 was enacted and later become Poisons and Pharmacy
Ordinance Cap 50 of 1927.
 1927
 The School of Pharmacy at Yaba in Lagos was established to train Dispensers.
 1929
 Mrs. Ore Green the first female Pharmacist was registered.
 1947
 School of Pharmacy Zaria was established to train Northern Dispensers only.
 1955
 School of Pharmacy Yaba was moved to the Nigerian College of Art, Science and
Technology Ibadan campus.
 1956
 Pharmacy was formally recognized as a profession in Nigeria by the Federal
Government.

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 1958
 The Pharmacy board was renamed to the Nigerian Pharmacy Board.
 Code of Ethics for Pharmacists was formulated.
 1961
 The Zaria School of Pharmacy upgraded to Chemists and Druggists Diploma level
Interested Northern Dispensers were given nine months of schooling for status upgrading
and could practice anywhere in Nigeria thereafter.
 This was the year of ‘Amalgamation’ for Pharmacy in Nigeria.
 1963
 University of Ife (Ibadan Branch) took over school of Pharmacy of the Nigeria College of
Science and Technology Ibadan to commence the training of Nigeria first degree
Pharmacists.
 1964
 Pharmacists Act enacted which established the Pharmacist Board of Nigeria (PBN).
 1968
 School of Pharmacy Zaria was taken by Ahmadu Bello University and commenced
training of degree Pharmacists
 University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) started the Pharmacy program.
 1974
 The Food Drug Decree No 35 of 1974 was enacted. It was applicable nationally.
 1980
 Faculty of Pharmacy opened at the University of Ibadan.
 1987
 On the 25th May, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development
(NIPRD) was established.
 1989
 Enactment of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.
 Promulgation of Essential Drug lists decree.
 1992
 Pharmacist Council of Nigeria Decree was promulgated.

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 Promulgation of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(NAFDAC) decree.
 1993
 On the 28th October, the new PCN was formally inaugurated. It came into existence with
enactment of PCN Decree No. 91 of 1992.
 Prince Adelusi – Adeluyi become the first Pharmacist to be Secretary for Health and
Social Services.
 2022
 An act to repeal the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap P17, Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act,
2022 was enacted.

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PHARMACY

The word Pharmacy is derived from the Greek word Pharmakon meaning Drug. Pharmacy can
be defined in many ways which include:

 The art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines.
 The health profession responsible with ensuring the safe and appropriate use of
medications.
 The health profession concerned with the discovery, development, production and
distribution of drugs.
 A location or place where medicines, drugs and other health consumables are
compounded, dispensed and sold.

 SYMBOLS COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH PHARMACY:

1. The Mortar and Pestle

2. The Rx (Recipe) Character

3. The Pharmacy Emblem, introduced in June 20, 1973

The Cross is Green in color, the Rx is White, the word Pharmacy boldly written in Red.

This is the official mark of the PSN that is to be mounted in front of any premises registered by
the PCN and supervised by a registered and licensed Pharmacist.

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  BRANCHES OR FIELD OF PHARMACY
1. Pharmacognosy
2. Pharmacology
3. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
4. Pharmaceutical Microbiology
5. Pharmaceutics
6. Pharmacy Law and Ethics
7. Pharmacy Management and Administration
8. Clinical Pharmacy

 Pharmacognosy

Deals with identification of botanical sources of drug. It embraces the knowledge of the history,
distribution, cultivation, collection, selection, preparation, commerce, identification, evaluation
and preservation of drug.

 Pharmacology

Deals with the actions and uses of drugs. It involves a study of how drugs either alone or in
combination affect the body as well as how the body whether normal or diseased affects drugs.

 Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Deals with the chemistry of drugs and the chemistry involved in the synthesis of new drugs
either as modification of older or natural drugs or as entirely new chemical entities.

 Pharmaceutical Microbiology

A branch of Pharmacy that deals with micro – organisms and how they affect drugs and
pharmaceutical products. It also includes the study of micro – organisms used in the production
of drugs.

 Pharmaceutics

The science that deals with formulation of drug substance into different dosage forms. It can
also be defined as the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs or medicines.

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  Pharmacy Law and Ethics

This deals with ordinances, decrees and laws governing the profession of Pharmacy, drugs and
ethical codes of Pharmacy.

 Pharmacy Management & Administration

This deals with control, making decisions and efficient organization of people and matters
affecting the Pharmacy profession.

 Clinical Pharmacy

This deals with patient care with emphasis on drugs therapy.

 PHARMACEUTICAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

1) Hospital Pharmacy

2) Industrial Pharmacy

3) Community Pharmacy

4) Pharmaceutical Administration

5) Academic Pharmacy

6) Pharmaceutical Consultancy

7) Pharmacy in the Armed Forces

8) Pharmaceutical Journalism

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PHARMACIST

Definition

- A person trained in Pharmacy by an accredited training institution registered by the Pharmacy

Council of Nigeria and who has been granted a license to practice the profession of Pharmacy in
all its ramifications.

- An expert on the action and uses of drugs including their chemistry, the formulation of
medicines and the way in which drugs are used to manage diseases.

- A health care professional trained in the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and
medicines.

- A health care professional that fills prescriptions & sometimes compound medications.

Specific Functions of Pharmacist in Different Areas of Practice

Community Pharmacist

They are health professionals most accessible to the public and have a wide range of functions.
They supply medicines in accordance with a prescription or when legally permitted, dispense and
administer an appropriate medicine without prescription with an advice to consult a physician if
symptoms persist for more than two or three days.

Functions

1. Processing prescriptions

2. Pharmaceutical care

3. Patient counselling

4. Provision of first aid

5. Health education and promotion

6. Extemporaneous preparational/compounding of medicines

7. Provision of diagnostic services

8. Drug information services

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9. Supply of veterinary medicines

10. Traditional and alternative medicines

11. Provision of public health services

Hospital Pharmacist

A hospital Pharmacist is a member of the professional health care team in hospitals, charged with
the responsibility of sourcing, stocking, preserving, compounding, and dispensing drugs, filling
prescriptions, advising on selection, safe and effective use of medicines and medical devices.

Functions:

1. Supplying and dispensing of medicines for in – patient and out – patient

2. Compounding of medicines

3. Patient counselling

4. Pharmaceutical care and therapeutic drug monitoring

5. Drug information services

6. Unit dispensing system

7. DRF management

8. Operational research

Industrial Pharmacist

An industrial (or production) Pharmacist is responsible for the production, packaging,

repackaging, labelling and re – labelling, quality control, assurance of pharmaceutical products
in pharmaceutical industry in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Functions:

1. Drug production

2. Ensuring quality control and quality assurance

3. Ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene of production premises

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4. Appropriate staff training

5. Research and development

6. Patent applications and drug registration

7. Clinical trials

Academic Pharmacists

These are Pharmacists who engage in education, pharmaceutical practice and research in schools
of pharmacy.

Functions:

1. Training of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

2. Training of other health care workers

3. Engage in research to improve health care outcomes

4. Curriculum planning, design and management in relation to health service and community
needs

5. Assessment of student performance and competence

6. Updating knowledge through education

7. Drug information services

Pharmaceutical Administrators

They are pharmacists who engage in administration and regulation of matters regarding the
pharmacy profession.

Functions:

1. Regulating and controlling the practice of the profession in all its ramification

2. Ensuring the implementation of all drug and other health policies

3. Coordinate all personnel and administrative duties

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Irrespective of a Pharmacist’s area of practice, he is expected among other things to:

 Hold the health and safety of patients as paramount at all times

 Provide relevant and accurate information on drugs and medicinal product when
necessary
 Respect the confidentiality of information on a patient
 Respect patients’ autonomy, dignity, cultural, religious beliefs and differences.
 Provide professional advice and counselling at every appropriate opportunity.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

A Pharmacy Technician is one who has been trained by an accredited training institution for a
period of three (3) years; has been registered by the PCN and has been granted a permit to
provide or perform pharmaceutical services (within his legal limits), under the direct supervision
of a registered and licensed Pharmacist.

This sub – cadre has been called different names in the past:

 Pharmacy Technologists
 Pharmacy Aides
 Pharmacy Clerks
 Pharmacy Helpers
 Pharmacy Support Personnel
 Pharmacy Assistants

However, Pharmacy Technicians are now the only recognized sub – cadre to the Pharmacy
profession. They are expected to assist and support licensed Pharmacists in providing medicines
and pharmaceutical care to patients.

Functions

Pharmacy Technicians may perform as many professional duties as may be assigned to them by
the Pharmacist who is supervising them. Pharmacy Technician also enjoy the same career
opportunities as Pharmacists since they are expected to work under the supervision of a
Pharmacist.

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Relationship to the Pharmacists

When working together, the Pharmacists tend to check on activities such as drug interactions,
contraindication, selection of therapy, pharmaceutical care while the Pharmacy Technician focus
on dispensing of medicines, preparation of medicines and record keeping under the supervision
of the Pharmacist.

LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

1. They cannot mix, compound or prepare a poison specified in the first schedule of Poison and
Pharmacy Act

2. They cannot import or deliver a poison specified in the first schedule

3. They cannot discuss patient health information outside of the professional work setting

4. They cannot perform extemporaneous compounding without the authorization and/or close
supervision of a Pharmacist

5. They cannot counsel patient regarding prescription especially concerning POM.

6. They cannot dispense any prescription that has not been checked by the Pharmacist

7. They cannot say ‘my badge is at home’ or ‘my badge is in my pocket’. They most always
wear a named badge with their names and the words ‘Pharmacy Technician’ on it

PERSONAL QUALITIES OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

1. They must be willing to take directions

2. They must be able to work competently without constant instruction from the Pharmacist

3. They must be truly patient oriented, since the patient is the most important person in the
pharmacy setting

4. They must be able to perform precise work where details can be matter of life or death

5. They must be able to complete each task accurately at all times

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6. They must be able to perform their work in a professional manner even if they are working
under pressure

7. They must be able to maintain accuracy when they are subjected to stressful or emergency
situations

8. Possession of good communication and interpersonal skills

9. They must be of good character and avoid any activities that could compromise their integrity

10. They must be knowledgeable in pharmacy practical laws and regulations

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

A code of ethics for a Pharmacy Technician states that the means by which they behave and
conducts themselves and it also states the principle by which they should interact with patient,
other members of the health care team and members of the general public.

1. A Pharmacy Technician must respect the knowledge of other members of the health care team
irrespective of their age, gender, religion or culture

2. Must act and behave in a manner that will make it easy for other members of the health care
team to give him due and proper respect

3. Must never present himself as other than Pharmacy Technician

4. Must ensure that his knowledge, skills and performance are of high quality, up to date and
evidence based

5. Must treat all patient with courtesy, respect and confidentiality

6. Must act in the interest of patients at all times

7. Must respect patients right to participate in decisions about their care and must provide
information in a way that it can be understood

8. He must always present a good image, be self – disciplined and desist from act that question
his understanding about health matters e.g., no smoking or throwing of sputum in the Pharmacy

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MAINTENANCE OF GOOD CONDUCT AND ETHICS

The main role of the Pharmacy profession is the provision of medicines and other health care
products and to provide pharmaceutical care and help people and community to make the best
use of them.

A patient’s welfare takes priority in every aspect of pharmaceutical care. It is very important to
take measures that lead to the satisfaction of patients.

A Pharmacy Technician (in assisting the Pharmacist to provide pharmaceutical care) must pay
attention to three areas:

1. Dressing/Appearance

Patient will always make assumptions about you based on initial impressions, some which may
be difficult to change. Thus, the need for proper dressing cannot be overemphasized. A white
overall with blue collar with a tag having your name and Pharmacy Technician printed on
it is recommended.

2. Mode of Addressing Patients

Good communication largely depends on common sense. Always ensure that what you say, how
you say it and your body language are properly blended together so that patient does not get
mixed or confused message from you. According to M. M. Moody et al, it is generally agreed
that communication is 10 % what you say, 40 % how you say it and 50 % your body
language.

a) What You Say:

 Speak with courtesy, don’t be rude

 Use simple language or a language the patient understands
 Repetition of self for the patient to understand
 Avoid use of medical terminologies where simple English can explain

b) How You Say it:

 The tone – Don’t be harsh, let your tone be as tender and as gentle as possible
 Speed – Do not speak too fast such that the patient cannot comprehend or too slow such
that the patient is irritated

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  Volume – Make your voice audible enough to be heard but not too loud to the extent of
embarrassing the patient
 Vocal Mannerisms – This should be avoided as much as possible

c) Body Language:

 Gestures – This is the movement made with a part of the body in order to express
meaning or communicate an instruction
 Facial Expression – Let your facial expression put the patient at ease. A sad or angry
facial expression can make patients uncomfortable
 Eye Contact – Maintain eye contact most of the time, don’t stare to the extent of
embarrassing the patient and don’t keep looking away. It makes patient feel either you
don’t know what you are talking about or you don’t care
 Physical Contact and Personal Space – Respect patient’s personal space, it makes
patient more comfortable to receive instruction
 Body Posture – This is the position your body assumes while speaking with patient.
Sitting sideways with your legs on the table shows an attitude of unconcern

3. The Environment

 The Noise Level – A noise environment can be irritating and distracting and this prevents
patients from receiving proper instructions
 The Cleanliness – This refers to the degree to which the pharmacy is kept clean.
 No smoking

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FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF DRUG REGULATORY AGENCIES

Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) was enacted by an Establishment Act of 2022 which
repeal the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap P17, LFN 2004.

Functions of the PCN

1. Preparation and review of the code of ethics for the Pharmacy profession

2. Regulation and control of the practice of the profession in all its aspects

3. Establishment, maintenance and publication of registers of pharmaceutical premises

4. Determination and reviewing of standards of knowledge and skills to be attain by those

seeking to become Pharmacists or Pharmacy Technicians

The Composition of the Governing Council

1. The Chairman, who shall be a Pharmacist with not less than 25 years post registration
experience
2. The Head of Food and Drug Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Health or his
representative, who shall be a registered Pharmacist
3. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria
4. The Director responsible for Pharmaceutical Services of each State Ministry of Health
including the Federal Capital Territory
5. The Deans of the recognized Faculties or Schools of Pharmacy in Nigerian Universities who
shall be Pharmacists
6. The Head of Pharmaceutical Services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria
7. The Director – General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development
or his representative who shall be a Pharmacist
8. Eight members, who shall have at least 10 years post registration experience to represent the
geopolitical zones of the Federation, on the recommendation of Pharmaceutical Society of
Nigeria through the Minister
9. Three members who shall be registered Pharmacy Technicians in good standing with the
Council with at least 10 years post – registration experience
10. The Registrar of the Council who shall be a member and the Secretary to the Council

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11. the Director – General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(NAFDAC) or his representative who shall be a registered Pharmacist

The Chairman and other members of the Council other than the Registrar, shall:
- Be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister
- Hold office on part time basis for a term of four years and
- Be eligible for re – appointment on satisfactory performance for a further term of four
years and no more.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria operates through the following departments:

1. Administrative Department

2. Pharmacy Practice Department

3. Planning Research and Statistic Department

4. Accounts Department

5. Inspection and Monitoring Department

6. Education Department

7. Registration and Licensing Department

8. The Registrar’s Office to which Legal, Audit and Public Relations Unit are attached as
well as the Area Offices

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National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

NAFDAC was established by Decree No 15 of 1993 and was amended by Decree No 19 of

1999. The motto of NAFDAC is ‘Safeguard the Health of the Nation’.

Functions of NAFDAC

NAFDAC has twenty (20) specific functions and eight (8) functions as derived from the
Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
1999.

Some of the functions include:

1. Regulation and control of importation, exportation, manufacturing, advertisement,

distribution, sales and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, detergents, bottled water
and chemicals

2. Registration of all the regulated products

3. Conduct appropriate tests and ensure regulated products meet specified standards

4. Establishment and maintenance of relevant laboratories or other institutions to perform its

functions

5. After appropriate analysis, revealing on the quality and safety of all regulated products

6. Conduct appropriate investigation into the production premises and raw materials of all
regulated products

7. Undertake inspection of all the regulated products

8. Joining hands with NDLEA in measures to eradicate drug abuse in Nigeria

9. Determine if a regulated product is suitable for human and animal use or not

10. Seizing any counterfeit, adulterated, banned or fake drug or poison or unwholesome
processed food product

Fake Drugs

Under the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous
Provision) Decree No 25 of 1999, a Fake Drug is defined as follows:

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1. Any drug or drug product, whose container is so made, formed or filled as to be misleading

2. Any drug or drug product which is not what it claims to be

3. Any drug or drug product whose label does not bear adequate directions for use and adequate
warning against use in relevant conditions

4. Any drug or drug product which is not registered by NAFDAC

5. Any drug or drug product which is so colored coated, powdered or polished that the damage is
concealed or which is made to appear to be better than it really is

6. Any drug or drug product which is not labelled in the prescribed manner or which bears any
statement, design or device which makes a false claim or is misleading.

NAFDAC also defines a Fake Drug as:

1. A drug with insufficient or no active ingredient

2. Expired and re – labelled drugs with the intention of extending the shelf-life

3. Drugs without full name and address of manufacturer

4. Drugs not registered by NAFDAC

5. Drugs with different active ingredients from what is stated on the package

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National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

NDLEA was established by Decree No 48 of 1989 on the 29th December, 1989, but came into
being in January 1990. It is now referred to as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act,
Cap 253 LFN 1990.

Functions of NDLEA

1. Enforcement and coordination of all drug laws

2. Adoption of measures to eradicate illicit cultivation of narcotic plants

3. Adoption of measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate, or seize proceeds derived from
drug or drug related offences or property whose value corresponds to such proceeds

4. Adoption measures to prevent the use of ordinary means of transport for illicit traffic in
narcotic drugs

5. Enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement to suppress the illicit traffic in narcotic or
psychotropic substances

6. Taking charge and coordinating all activities relating to arrest, investigation and prosecution
of all offence connected with illicit traffic in narcotics or psychotropic substances

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria was founded in the year 1927. Some of the aims and
objectives of the association include:

1. To maintain a high standard of professional ethics and discipline among members

2. To promote and maintain a high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria

3. To promote legislation for the enhancement of the image of the profession. This includes the
interest of the profession and practitioners in Nigeria

4. To advise on labor condition relating to Pharmacist.

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There are four set of members within the association. They are:

- Full Membership: They are registered Pharmacists within Nigeria

- Associate Member: They are Intern Pharmacists

- Affiliate Member: Final year Pharmacy students

- Honorary Membership: This is open to Pharmacists registered in their country of domicile

Council of PSN

1. All states branch Chairmen/Secretaries including the FCT

2. National Executive Members

3. Chairmen of the recognized technical/interest group

4. Director of Pharmaceutical Services/Chief Pharmacists

5. The Registrar of PCN

6. All Deans of accredited Pharmacy Schools in Nigeria

7. National President of Pharmacy Association of Nigeria Student (PANS)

8. Representatives of Teaching Hospital and Pharmaceutical Services

9. Chairman, Board of Fellows

10. DG NIPRD

11. Most Senior Pharmacist in Pharmacy Department from the Federal Ministry of Health

12. A representative of the Armed Forces, the Customs and the NPF. Such ones must be a
Registered Pharmacists with PCN

13. PSN representative in PCN

14. DG of NAFDAC who is a Pharmacists or the most Senior Pharmacist in the Organization

15. The Executive Secretary of West Africa Post Graduate College of Pharmacy

They meet 3 times in a year

Motto: As Men of Honor, We Join Hands

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Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)

The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the apex standardization body in Nigeria.

SON was established by SON Act No. 14, 2015, which repeals the Standard Organization of
Nigeria Act, Cap 59 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact the Standards
Organization of Nigeria Act 2015 for the purpose of providing additional functions for the
organization, increasing penalty for violating and for related matters.

The aims and objectives of the SON include:

1. Preparation of standard relating to products, measurement, materials and process among

others, and their promotion at the national, regional and international levels

2. Certification of industrial products

3. Assistance in the production of quality goods

4. Improvement of measurement accuracy and circulation of information relating to standards

POISONS

Poisons include the substance itemized in the First Schedule of Poisons and Pharmacy Act
(PPA). They are called poisons because when they are taken into or come in contact with the
body of humans or animals, without professional supervision, a harmful reaction resulting in
unwanted effects can be experienced.

Poisons and Pharmacy Act (PPA) is an act to regulate the sale and distribution of drugs and
poisons.

Dangerous Drug Act (DDA) is an act to regulate the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale
and use of opium and other dangerous drugs.

Substance which are legally classified as poisons are subject to a variety of controls. These
controls are dependent on the classification of the poisons.

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Classification of Poisons

Schedule I Drugs have a high potential for abuse and currently have no accepted medical use.
They are the only schedule of Drugs that cannot be prescribed. Examples include Heroin and
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Schedule II Drugs may lead to severe Psychological or Physical dependence. Example include
Morphine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone and Methadone

Schedule III Drugs may lead to moderate or low Physical dependence or high Psychological
dependence. Example include Anabolic Steroids, Codeine and Hydrocodone with Aspirin or
Tylenol and certain Barbiturates.

Schedule IV may lead to limited Physical dependence or Psychological dependence compared

with Schedule III Drugs. Example include Valium® and Xanax®

Schedule V Drugs have the lowest potential for abuse. They may lead to limited Physical
dependence or Psychological dependance compared with Schedule IV Drugs. Cough Medicine
with Codeine are one example

Storage of Poisons

All poisons are to be stored:

 Out of direct access to the public

 Out of access to children
 Separately from foodstuffs or beverages

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