The Kano State Government has banned the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores across the state as part of measures to curb unsafe medical practices.
The directive was announced by the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Khadijah Hussein-Sa’id, during a sensitisation workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano.
Hussein-Sa’id explained that patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are therefore not authorised to perform invasive medical procedures, administer IV fluids or conduct blood transfusions.
She said the directive was aimed at protecting residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices while strengthening the regulation of private health facilities across the state.
“Any patent medicine store or unauthorised facility found administering IV fluids or conducting blood transfusions will face immediate closure and other sanctions,” she warned.
According to her, blood transfusions and IV fluid therapies must only be carried out in accredited health facilities and under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
Hussein-Sa’id said the measure aligns with the state government’s priority of protecting the health and lives of residents.
She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores or other unauthorised facilities found carrying out the prohibited procedures.
Complaints can be submitted directly to the PHIMA office at Magaji Rumfa, with supporting evidence such as photographs, receipts or other proof of the services provided.
She said PHIMA would continue to strengthen the regulation of private health institutions and take decisive action against unsafe, illegal and unhygienic medical practices.
The acting executive secretary also urged private health facility operators to comply with the directive and approved standards to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Source: Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA)
