The Sokoto state government has warned residents of Tureta Local Government Area against seeking treatment from local barbers for suspected cases of metal poisoning.
Dr Faruk Abubakar, the State Commissioner for Health, issued the warning on Wednesday while presenting government-provided drugs for patients at General Hospital, Tureta.
Represented by the Executive Director of the State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr Bello Attahiru, Abubakar expressed concern over the dangerous practice of some local barbers making incisions on patients’ stomachs as a supposed treatment method.
“People should be aware that the treatment of complicated infections is not based on speculation but requires expert medical intervention and laboratory-certified experience.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to stop such practices immediately and instead take affected individuals to the hospital at the first sign of illness,” he emphasised.
He further assured that medications would be supplied to all general hospitals treating suspected metal poisoning cases across the state.
Receiving the drugs, the Chairman of Tureta LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta, welcomed the timely intervention.
He assured that the council would ensure the proper distribution and usage of the drugs while highlighting the initial steps taken by the council to address the situation. (NAN)
