The Punjab government has imposed a two-week ban on the sale and use of a locally manufactured injection, “Avastin”, suspected to be responsible for vision loss in multiple patients in the province.
The Punjab government has taken swift action following reports of severe vision loss among patients who were administered the locally manufactured injection “Avastin” at various hospitals in the province. A five-member committee has been formed the other day to investigate the matter.
The investigative committee will be led by Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, from King Edward Medical University, as the convener. Other committee members include Muhammad Sohail, Director General Drugs Control, Dr. Muhammad Moin from Mayo Hospital, Dr. Tayyaba from Lahore General Hospital, and Prof. Dr. Mohsin from Services Hospital.
Reports indicate that diabetic patients in Lahore, Kasur, and Jhang districts received Avastin injections to treat retinal damage. Tragically, these injections resulted in severe infections, leading to vision loss in approximately 12 patients.
Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, took to social media to announce a crucial meeting with the health department and doctors to address the Avastin-related blindness cases.
An action plan has been devised, which includes immediate strict action against drug inspectors responsible for allowing non-sterile injections into the market.
The Punjab government is committed to providing free treatment to all affected patients, and a high-powered inquiry team has been formed to expedite the investigation. Law enforcement has been instructed to make arrests as needed.
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Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan confirmed that the Avastin injection has been recalled from the market. Legal action has been initiated, with a case registered against the suppliers.
Reports of affected patients have come in from Multan, Kasur, Lahore, and Sadiqabad, he told the media.
Dr. Jan emphasized that the matter would be thoroughly investigated in a transparent manner, and the findings would be shared with the public.
A five-member committee has been tasked with submitting a report within three days. The government has also banned the sale of the injection to prevent further harm to patients.
