FCCC Issues Warnings to Three Pharmacies
FIJI NEWS
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued formal warnings to three pharmacy businesses after finding they were operating without a registered pharmacist on site.
The action follows FCCC's nationwide pharmacy audit for the 2025–26 financial year, during which 70 pharmacies across Fiji were inspected.
The audit found that three pharmacies were open and trading without a registered pharmacist present, breaching the conditions of their Pharmacy Business Authorisation. Under these conditions, a registered pharmacist must be on the premises at all times while the pharmacy is open.
FCCC says this requirement is not simply a rule on paper—it is there to protect patients.
A registered pharmacist ensures medicines are dispensed correctly, checks that dosages are appropriate, identifies possible interactions between medicines and provides professional advice to consumers. Operating a pharmacy without a pharmacist may place consumers at unnecessary risk.
As a result, FCCC has issued formal warning letters to the three pharmacy businesses. The Commission says continued non-compliance could lead to further regulatory action, including the revocation of a pharmacy's business authorisation under the Pharmacy Profession Act 2011.
Despite the breaches, FCCC said the audit showed a high level of compliance across the sector, with 67 of the 70 pharmacies inspected meeting all authorisation requirements.
The Commission acknowledged the professionalism of the compliant pharmacies and their registered pharmacists, noting that enforcement action against non-compliant operators helps protect consumers while ensuring a fair and level playing field for businesses that follow the law.
FCCC says it will continue carrying out pharmacy audits across the country. Consumers who are concerned about the operation of a pharmacy, including instances where a pharmacist is not present during business hours, are encouraged to contact FCCC on 892 1991 or email helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj.
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