Pharmacist warns that pharmacies inside filling stations pose health risks, citing fuel exposure dangers and regulatory breaches

A clinical pharmacist and Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Dr Sunday Olatunde, has warned that locating pharmacies within filling stations poses serious risks to medicine quality and public health.

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The pharmacies filling stations health risk warning was issued following allegations that H-medix Pharmacy is operating inside an NNPC Limited filling station in the Life Camp area of Abuja.

Dr Olatunde referenced guidelines issued by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, which prohibit the siting of pharmacies in filling stations, motor parks, and markets due to safety and environmental concerns.

He explained that exposure to fuel vapours and emissions such as benzene could compromise the stability and effectiveness of medicines, potentially leading to treatment failure and harmful health outcomes for patients.

The pharmacist further warned that the presence of highly flammable substances in filling stations increases the risk of fire outbreaks, while prolonged exposure to toxic fumes could worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma among pharmacy staff and customers.

The pharmacies filling stations health risk warning also called attention to regulatory enforcement gaps, urging authorities to take swift action against any pharmacies operating in violation of established rules.

Dr Olatunde advised members of the public to avoid purchasing medicines from pharmacies located within filling stations, stressing that patient safety should remain a top priority in healthcare delivery.

He also urged regulatory bodies to enforce compliance strictly and, where necessary, apply sanctions against erring operators to maintain professional standards within the pharmaceutical sector.

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According to him, strict adherence to regulations is essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring that medicines remain safe, stable, and effective for use.