Kano Bans IV Fluids, Blood Transfusion At Patent Medicine Stores

Kano State has banned patent medicine stores from administering IV fluids or carrying out blood transfusions.

The state government announced the directive during a sensitisation workshop for proprietors and medical directors of private health facilities in Kano.

The acting executive secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency, Fatima Abubakar Hussein-Sa’id, said patent medicine stores are classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are not authorised to perform invasive medical procedures.

She said IV fluid therapy and blood transfusion must be handled only in accredited health facilities under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.

The agency warned that any facility found administering IV fluids or conducting blood transfusions would face immediate closure and other sanctions under relevant laws and regulations.

The directive targets a common informal health practice that can put patients at risk when it happens outside properly equipped clinics or hospitals.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard