Sindh bans particular eye infection injection

Health dept takes measures following cases of loss of vision in Punjab

KARACHI:

The spokesperson of the Sindh Health Department has said that regarding Avastin injection that it would be advisable to temporarily stop a particular brand of medicine before an adverse event occurs in Sindh.

The spokesman of the Sindh Health Department expressed regret over the unfortunate incident with the victim's eyes in Punjab and said that no cases related to Avastin injection have been reported in Sindh so far.

However, the official said the department will currently take action on certain brands of medicines. It is extremely important to prevent any trauma to patients as grave as vision loss.

The health department has directed ophthalmologists of Sindh to be more careful in using eye injections.

The public should consult their local ophthalmologist before direct use of the drug. It remains to be seen whether these incidents occurred due to infection within its use or some other reason.

He said substandard preparation of medicine could also be a reason. This is a major technical issue in which expert opinions are very important.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2023.