Kano Hospitals Board Clarifies Drug Policy at Kabo Cottage Hospital
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The Kano State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) has clarified the drug administration policy at Kabo Cottage Hospital following public reactions to a viral video alleging the provision of free medication at the facility.
The Board said the clarification became necessary to correct misinformation and reassure the public about established healthcare procedures in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Samira Suleiman, said the attention of the HMB was drawn to a video credited to the Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area, which suggested that free drugs were being distributed at the hospital. She noted that the claims had created confusion among patients and community members.
Suleiman explained that all public health facilities in Kano State operate under the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) system, which is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, sustainability, and uninterrupted access to essential medicines.
“Under this system, medications cannot be kept or dispensed through an individual or released outside established hospital protocols,” she said.
According to the Board, it was observed that certain medications were brought into the hospital and kept with a single individual with the intention of distributing them arbitrarily to patients.
Suleiman described the practice as inconsistent with hospital regulations, warning that it poses risks to patient safety, proper record keeping, and the sustainability of healthcare services.
She disclosed that following concerns raised by hospital management and members of the community, a series of meetings were held involving representatives of the Local Government, directors from the Hospitals Management Board, and other stakeholders.
“It was resolved that any donation or intervention must be formally communicated to the Board through the appropriate channel, specifically the Zonal Director, to allow for proper documentation and authorization,” she said.
The statement also addressed the use of a diagnostic machine at the facility, which had reportedly been in operation for over a year. According to Suleiman, it was agreed that services rendered with the machine should be properly costed, adding that the Local Government Chairman may subsidize services for pregnant women and support blood transfusion services, while the hospital continues to provide consumables through the DRF.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no drug was stolen, diverted, or hoarded,” Suleiman emphasized. “All medications remain safely kept within the hospital in line with laid-down procedures.” She further clarified that only emergency services and Maternal and Child Health services are provided free of charge at the facility, in accordance with government policy.
The Board stressed that no intervention involving free drugs would be accepted or implemented without clear directives from the Kano State Ministry of Health. Suleiman said the clarification was issued to set the record straight and reaffirm the commitment of the Hospitals Management Board and Kabo Cottage Hospital to transparent, accountable, and quality healthcare delivery.
