The Sokoto State government has warned residents of Tureta Local Government Area against seeking treatment for metal poisoning from local barbers.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, issued the warning on Wednesday while presenting government-provided drugs for patients at General Hospital, Tureta.
Metal poisoning is a harmful effect on the body caused by the accumulation of toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, in the body’s soft tissues.
It occurs when the body absorbs too much of certain metals, leading to a buildup that disrupts normal bodily functions and can cause serious health problems.
It can occur through contaminated foods, water, air, or industrial chemicals or through the use of certain medications and products.
Faruk, who was 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.
He said, “People should be aware that the treatment of complicated infections is not based on speculations 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 further assured that medications would be supplied to all general hospitals treating suspected metal poisoning cases across the state.
The Chairman of Tureta LGA, Alhaji Aliyu Tureta, while highlighting the initial steps taken by the council to address the situation, welcomed the timely intervention and assured that the council would ensure the proper distribution and usage of the drugs.
