Kano State bans blood transfusions and IV fluids at patent medicine stores

The Kano State Government has prohibited the administration of intravenous (IV) fluid infusions and blood transfusions at patent medicine stores throughout the state. Khadijah Hussein-Sa’id, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA), announced the directive during a workshop for private health facility proprietors and medical directors.

Hussein-Sa’id clarified that patent medicine stores are legally classified as non-clinical retail outlets and are not authorized to perform invasive medical procedures. The ban aims to protect residents from unsafe and illegal medical practices while strengthening the regulation of private health facilities.

Under the new directive, blood transfusions and IV fluid therapies must only be conducted in accredited health facilities under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. Unauthorized facilities found violating this rule will face immediate closure and other legal sanctions. The public is encouraged to report violations to the PHIMA office with supporting evidence such as receipts or photographs.