One of the devastating reports I read recently is about Kano. According to a video released by the Kano State Ministry of Health, 10 people had died and 400 hospitalized due to the intake of fake and expired flavours used for local drinks.
The most disturbing part of it is that the Kano’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa stated categorically that out of the 400 hospitalised, 50 are on dialysis.
The fake and expired chemicals being consumed by our dear Kano people are becoming dangerous more than how one could imagine. If these substances can damage kidneys, then prompt action needs to be taken.
Recall that the Dr. Tsanyawa cautioned that such fake and expired chemicals damage body parts including kidneys which sometimes lead to death. He also advised Kano residents to desist from taking the chemicals.
Well, these pieces of advice have come at the right time but is that enough? In my opinion, warning and advising consumers alone will not bring to an end this calamity. In fact, how can some of our consumers differentiate between the fake and expired ones from the genuine ones since they are being repackaged by the evildoers? Certainly, the government needs to take proactive measures on this.
The question that always rings in my mind is that, is the sale of adulterated substances not a planned move by the enemies of Kano State? Why is it coming a year after the 2020 death syndrome? Are our people secure?
Whatever the case may be, I am not satisfied with the way the Kano State government is handling the case. Let there be an executive order which will mandate revoking the license of any company or individual found selling such fake flavours.
The order should also force anyone found guilty to pay victims of the development a huge amount of money. We cannot fold our arms and continue watching our people dying due to our negligence. Government should take cogent action.
Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano
