The Sokoto State Government has expressed concern over the use of harmful traditional practices in treating metal poisoning cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Wurno, condemned the practice of making incisions on patients’ stomachs as a form of treatment and called for its immediate cessation.
Speaking during the presentation of government-supplied drugs for metal poisoning treatment at General Hospital, Tureta, Dr Wurno stressed the need for affected individuals to seek medical attention at hospitals, instead of resorting to unsafe traditional methods.
“The practice of making incisions on the stomach of patients suffering from metal poisoning must stop immediately.
“Instead, those showing symptoms should be rushed to hospitals for proper medical care,” the commissioner directed.
Wurno, who was represented by the Executive Director of the State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr Bello Attahiru, assured the people that the government would distribute the essential drugs to all general hospitals handling metal poisoning cases.
Receiving the medical supplies, the Chairman of Tureta Local Government Council, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta, expressed gratitude, noting that the provision of the drugs was timely.
He assured the government that the local government would ensure proper utilisation of the medicines for their intended purpose.