Eye injection scam

Drug misuse and distribution of contaminated drugs are serious offences that endanger lives

Drug misuse and the distribution of contaminated drugs are serious offences that endanger lives and undermine public trust in the healthcare system. Last year, diabetic patients in Punjab, who had undergone the Avastin eye injection treatment, reported severe adverse reactions affecting their eyesight. Earlier this week, Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi approved action under the Peeda Act against 18 officers ranging from grade 17 to grade 19 in the Punjab Health Department. This decision is based on the findings of an initial inquiry report conducted in the aftermath of the Avastin eye injection scam.

Across the country, time and again, patients and practitioners have voiced concerns about the buying and selling of counterfeit drugs. Many have accused drug controllers and drug inspectors of being involved in such scams. For the last two years, the country has been grappling with a critical shortage of medicine due to export bans and ongoing economic turmoil. This situation has posed significant challenges for healthcare authorities and patients who are enduring hardship and unable to access proper treatment. Amidst all this, the emergence of a scam signals a further deterioration in an already precarious healthcare landscape.

Illegal manufacturing and lapses in the distribution and trade of these drugs not only jeopardise healthcare and well-being but also strain the healthcare system by diverting resources away from legitimate medical treatments. This diversion can affect the overall quality of healthcare services. The Punjab government’s stringent response is commendable as it demonstrates zero tolerance for such malpractices. However, in the wake of this scam, healthcare departments at both the federal and provincial levels must take measures to ensure that such illegal activities are prevented. Vigilance and stringent regulatory measures are crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system and the well-being of the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^th, 2024.

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