Vision Loss Scare: Locally Manufactured Injection Sparks Health Crisis in Punjab
Swift Government Action and Investigations Underway as Locally Manufactured Injection Blamed for Alarming Cases of Vision Impairment in Multiple Cities
In a significant public health development, a locally manufactured injection has been associated with cases of vision loss in various cities across Punjab, triggering a rapid response from health authorities and government officials. In a press conference held on Sunday, Interim Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan announced the immediate withdrawal of the problematic injection and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Reports of vision impairment following the administration of the injection emerged from multiple cities, including Multan, Kasur, Faisalabad, and Sadiqabad. Dr. Nadeem Jan assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to get to the bottom of this alarming situation and pledged to provide the affected patients with the best available healthcare.
Punjab’s Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Dr. Jamal Nasir, revealed that the injection in question was originally produced by a reputable multinational pharmaceutical company and was distributed through a trusted institution. What made the situation even more distressing was the revelation that the prescribed dose of the injection was 100mg, while only 1.2mg was required for effective ocular treatment.
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In response to this crisis, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) swiftly removed the entire batch of the injection from the market, pending further investigation results. To address the medical implications and assess the injuries caused by the injection, a five-member committee was formed, led by Dr. Asad Aslam Khan of King Edward Medical University. This committee’s primary task is to recommend measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has ordered an immediate halt to the sale of the injection and the removal of existing stocks from the market until the inquiry report is submitted. The affected individuals will receive free treatment, and the government has also initiated disciplinary action against negligent drug inspectors. To ensure comprehensive scrutiny of relevant clinics and the availability of trained medical professionals in hospitals for treatment, the Punjab Healthcare Commission has been assigned specific responsibilities.
As the investigation continues to unfold, health authorities are strongly advising doctors and patients to refrain from using the Avastin injection. Simultaneously, samples of the injection are undergoing rigorous laboratory testing to ascertain the full extent of the issue. The government’s proactive measures are aimed at controlling conjunctivitis disease across the affected regions and safeguarding the well-being of the public. Further updates on this developing situation are anticipated as the investigation progresses.