The Kano State government has prohibited the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores across the state, enforcing a directive that reasserts the legal boundaries of such retail outlets.
Directive Issued by PHIMA Acting Executive Secretary
Khadijah Hussein-Sa’id, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), announced the ban during a sensitisation workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano. She stated that patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets, meaning they are not authorised to perform invasive medical procedures, administer IV fluids, or conduct blood transfusions.
Ms Hussein-Sa’id emphasised that 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 said.
Legal Classification and Enforcement Measures
According to the acting executive secretary, blood transfusions and IV fluid therapies must be administered only in accredited health facilities under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. The measure aligns with the state government’s priority of protecting residents’ health and lives, she added.
Ms Hussein-Sa’id urged the public to remain vigilant and report patent medicine stores or other unauthorised facilities that engage in prohibited practices. She revealed that complaints could be submitted directly to the PHIMA office at Magaji Rumfa, with supporting evidence such as photographs, receipts, or other proof of the services provided.
Public Reporting and Regulatory Commitment
She 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 the approved standards to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
The directive, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reinforces the government’s commitment to curbing unauthorised medical procedures that pose risks to patient safety, with immediate closure and sanctions for violators.
