The Kano State Government has banned the administration of intravenous, IV, fluids and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores across the state.
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 sensitization workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano.
Hussein-Sa’id said patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are not authorized to perform invasive medical procedures, administer IV fluids or conduct blood transfusions.
The restriction is part of efforts to ensure that medical procedures requiring professional assessment, monitoring and appropriate equipment are carried out only in facilities equipped to provide such services safely.
It is aimed at protecting residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices while strengthening the regulation of private health facilities in the state.
“Any patent medicine store or unauthorized facility found administering IV fluids or conducting blood transfusions will face immediate closure and other sanctions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations,” she warned.
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The acting executive secretary said blood transfusions and IV fluid therapies must only be administered at accredited health facilities under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.
She added that the measure aligns with the state government’s priority of protecting the health and lives of residents.
Hussein-Sa’id urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores or other unauthorized facilities engaging in the prohibited practices.
She said 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.
Hussein-Sa’id said PHIMA would continue to strengthen the regulation of private health institutions and take decisive action against unsafe, illegal and unhygienic medical practices.
She urged operators of private health facilities to comply with the directive and adhere to approved standards to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
The Eagle Online
