The Kano State Government has prohibited patent medicine stores from administering intravenous (IV) fluids and carrying out blood transfusion procedures 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 sensitisation programme for operators of private healthcare facilities in Kano.
The state government said the move was aimed at preventing unsafe medical practices and improving regulation within the private healthcare sector.
Patent Medicine Shops Not Allowed to Perform Invasive Procedures
Hussein-Sa’id explained that patent medicine stores are legally recognised as retail outlets and are not licensed to perform clinical procedures.
She said such outlets are not authorised to administer IV fluids, conduct blood transfusions or carry out other invasive treatments.
“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.
Only Accredited Facilities Can Provide Such Services
The PHIMA acting executive secretary said IV therapy and blood transfusion services must only be performed at approved healthcare facilities under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.
She stressed that the regulation was introduced to protect residents from complications arising from improper medical procedures.
According to her, the state government remains committed to ensuring safer healthcare delivery and stronger monitoring of private medical operators.
Residents Asked to Report Violations
The agency urged members of the public to report patent medicine shops or unauthorised facilities that continue to offer the prohibited services.
Hussein-Sa’id said complaints could be submitted to the PHIMA office located at Magaji Rumfa, Kano.
She encouraged residents to provide supporting evidence such as photographs, receipts or other documentation that could assist investigations.
PHIMA Warns Defaulting Operators
PHIMA said it would continue monitoring private health facilities and take action against operators involved in unsafe, illegal or unhygienic medical practices.
The agency also urged owners of private healthcare businesses to comply with approved standards and cooperate with regulatory authorities.
The Kano Government said the enforcement measure forms part of broader efforts to improve healthcare quality and protect residents across the state.
