Punjab bans use, purchase of 8 IVs, antibiotics after adverse reaction reports

PTC News Desk: Following the reports of suspected adverse reactions from certain drugs from several government health facilities, the Punjab health department directed immediate suspension and ban on use the use of at least eight intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotic injections.

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the decision was taken following several reports of drug reactions after being administered to the patients at some government hospitals. 

“We have also sent samples of these for further checks and strict action will be taken against firms if found on the wrong side. We cannot allow anyone to play with innocent lives,” he said.

“Our stand is clear that patient care is our topmost priority; therefore, we have stopped the usage of these IV fluids as a precautionary measure. The health department is maintaining strict vigil to ensure that only quality medicines and fluids are supplied to hospitals. No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to the safety of patients,” he added.

The banned medicines include normal saline (sodium chloride injection IP 0.9%), dextrose injection IP 5% ciprofloxacin injections 200 mg, DNS 0.9%, NI2 dextrose 5% IV fluid and bupivacaine HCL with dextrose injection.

“We have recalled the entire stock available under our jurisdiction and have also issued a note to all hospitals directing them to stop administering the same to patients,” said a senior doctor at a government health facility.

The directive issued to the hospitals also calls for formation of a committee to examine the suspected adverse drug reactions from the batches that were procured this year and have expiry dates ranging from 2026 to 2028.

According to the reports, the banned items are manufactured by different pharmaceutical firms including Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Private Limited, and Health Biotech Limited.