Kano Bans IV Fluid, Blood Transfusion at Patent Medicine Stores

The Kano State Government has banned the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores across the state.

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.

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 introduced to protect residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices while strengthening the regulation of private healthcare 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 in accordance with relevant laws and regulations,” she warned.

The acting executive secretary said IV fluid therapy and blood transfusions must only be carried out in accredited health facilities and under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

According to her, the measure is part of the state government’s broader efforts to protect the health and lives of residents and ensure that medical procedures are conducted in facilities that meet approved standards.

She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores or other unauthorised facilities providing the prohibited services.

Hussein-Sa’id said complaints could be submitted directly to the PHIMA office at Magaji Rumfa.

She encouraged members of the public who report such facilities to provide supporting evidence, including photographs, receipts or other documentation showing that the services were offered.

The agency said it would continue to strengthen its oversight of private health institutions and take decisive action against facilities involved in unsafe, illegal or unhygienic practices.

The acting executive secretary also urged operators of private health facilities to comply with the directive and adhere to approved medical standards.

She said compliance would help improve healthcare delivery and reduce the risks associated with invasive procedures being performed in facilities that are not licensed or equipped to provide them.

The state government’s latest directive places responsibility on both healthcare operators and residents to ensure that IV therapy and blood transfusions are performed only by qualified professionals in appropriately accredited facilities.