How to Verify a Pharmacist and a Pharmacy in Nigeria

In Nigeria, ensuring that your pharmacist or pharmacy is properly licensed is critical for your health and safety.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), a regulatory body overseeing pharmacy practice, provides tools to verify licenses and registrations.

Whether you’re a patient, employer, or healthcare partner, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. 

Why Verify a Pharmacist or a Pharmacy? 

Like the saying goes, "Health is Wealth".
ċóuntêrfeit drügs and unqualified practitioners pose serious health risks. Therefore, by verifying credentials through the PCN verification portal, you:

• Confirm legitimacy and compliance with national standards.
• Avoid counterfeit medications.
• Ensure access to qualified professionals. 
  
  

READ: Qualities of a 10-Star Pharmacist?

✅ How to Verify a Pharmacist in Nigeria. 

To confirm if a pharmacist is licensed to practice in Nigeria:

1. Visit the PCN Verification Portal: Go to the official PCN verification page - Here
2. Click on  'Verify Pharmacist': i.e . On the portal, choose the 'Verify Pharmacist' option.
3. Enter Details: Input the pharmacist’s name (surname 1st ) or registration number (e.g., PCN/12345) into the search bar.
4. Review Results: The portal will display the pharmacist’s status (True, False, or suspended), including their year of license validity

This verification ensures that the pharmacist is authorized to dispense medications and provide pharmaceutical care.

Note:- Sometimes, the current year for the pharmacist or pharmacy - might show false, this doesn't mean he or she ain't verified.
As verification for the year takes time.

✅ How to Verify a Pharmacy in Nigeria

To check if a pharmacy establishment is officially registered:

1. Access the PCN Website: Go to the PCN Official Website or the PCN verification portal.
2. Navigate to 'Verify Premises': Under the 'Registrations' menu (for PCN site).
   While Click 'Verify Premises' (on the PCN verification portal). 
3. Provide Information: Enter the pharmacy's name or registration number (this number is found on every Pharmacy premise wall).
4. View Status: The portal will show whether the pharmacy is legally registered and compliant with PCN standards.
5. For direct verification, contact PCN via email ([email protected]) or call  +234 806 605 5429.

Verifying a pharmacy ensures that it meets regulatory requirements and operates within the law.

Read: PEP Exams Past Questions & answers

🤔 FAQs About Pharmacist & Pharmacy Verification in Nigeria 🇳🇬 

📌 Why is PCN verification important? 

Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) ensures pharmacists and pharmacies meet strict national standards, safeguarding public health.
This reduces risks of substandard drugs, malpractice, filter Unqualified practitioners and eradicate fake drůgs distribution.

📌 Can I verify a pharmacy offline? 

Yes! Visit PCN’s headquarters or state offices for physical verification.

📌 What happens if a pharmacy operates without a license? 

• Unlicensed pharmacies risk closure, fines, or legal action.
• Also, unlicensed pharmacies can be reported to PCN’s enforcement unit through their official website.

📌 What if a pharmacist’s name doesn’t appear on the portal? 

This could mean:

• The pharmacist is unregistered.
• Their license is expired or suspended.
• There’s a typo in your search.
• Always double-check or contact PCN via [email protected].

📌 How often do pharmacist and pharmacies renew their PCN licenses? 

Both the pharmacist and pharmacies must renew their licenses annually.
Check the expiry date on their displayed certificate or verify via the portal. 

📌 Can I verify a foreign-trained pharmacist in Nigeria?

Yes! Foreign-trained pharmacists must register with PCN to practice in Nigeria. Use the same verification portal to confirm their status.

📌 What should I do if I encounter an unlicensed pharmacist or a pharmacy?

Report it immediately to PCN via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +234 803 327 1305
• Website: PCN Report Page.

📌 Are online pharmacies regulated by PCN?

Yes! Online pharmacies must also be licensed.
Verify their PCN registration number before purchasing medications.

Read: Frequently Asked Questions by Aspiring Pharmacists

Tips - Although, there is no official site for Online pharmacy verification.
But checking via PHARMORAX, could help- As they are the only approved online Platform to search for your Pharmacy and medicines.