Petition before LHC seeks action against supply of detrimental injection

'Injections were contaminated, had inadequate sterilization, standard procedure was compromised'

PUNJAB:

A petition was filed before the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday seeking stern action against those responsible for supplying eye injections, which led to loss of vision for 12 persons in Punjab besides severe infection among other users.

Petitioner Syed Furqan Ahmad stated that according to media reports, Mayo Hospital Head Surgeon Prof Asad Islam wrote to the provincial health department that numerous patients, who received Bevacizumab injections supplied by Naveed suffered from blinding eye infections in Lahore and other parts of the province.

Moreover, according to Nishtar Medical University senior registrar Dr Nausherwan Adil, the injections were contaminated, had inadequate sterilization, infected vials, non-sterile syringes and there was deviation from standard operating procedure in the drug dispensing process.

The petition implored that sheer negligence was proven on the part of the government.

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The petitioner moved the court to direct the relevant action against those whose negligence led to loss of eyesight.

Injection recalled

On Sunday, the government responded to reports of a detrimental injection, which resulted in multiple patients losing their vision. An inquiry was ordered to identify those responsible for endangering public health and the tainted batch of medicine has been immediately recalled.

Interim Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan, addressing a press conference, revealed that a locally manufactured injection, promoted for treating conjunctivitis, is allegedly responsible for causing vision loss in Punjab. He confirmed that the injection has been removed from the market and legal action has been initiated against its suppliers.

Dr Jan, accompanied by Punjab Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir, disclosed that approximately 20 individuals experienced vision loss after receiving the injection. Incidents were reported from Multan, Kasur, Lahore, and Sadiqabad.

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A five-member committee, led by Dr Asad Aslam Khan from King Edward Medical University, has been tasked with assessing the situation and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents. The committee includes Director General of Drugs Control Muhammad Sohail, Dr. Muhammad Moin from the Mayo Hospital Lahore, Dr. Tayyaba from the Lahore General Hospital, and Dr. Mohsin from the Services Hospital.

Dr Jan noted that a sample of the injection has been sent for testing, and the results will be available in two to three days. An investigation into the medicine and its supply chain is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Dr Nasir said that stocks of the problematic injection have been seized and sealed, and drug inspectors across Punjab have been mobilized to prevent its sale.