The Kano State Government has banned the administration of intravenous (IV) fluid infusions and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores across the state, an official has disclosed.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), Khadijah Hussein-Sa’id, announced the directive during a sensitisation workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano.
She said patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are not authorised to perform invasive medical procedures, administer IV fluids, or conduct blood transfusions.
Hussein-Sa’id said the directive aims to protect residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices while strengthening the regulation of private health facilities in the state.
“Any patent medicine store or unauthorised 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.
The acting executive secretary stressed that blood transfusions and IV fluid therapies must only be administered in 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 the public to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores or other unauthorised 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.
PHIMA will continue to strengthen the regulation of private health institutions and take decisive action against unsafe, illegal, and unhygienic medical practices, she added.
The acting executive secretary urged operators of private health facilities to comply with the directive and adhere to approved standards to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
