Multan: After reports of vision impairment due to fake injections in Lahore and Kasur, similar cases have now been reported in Multan and Sadiqabad. According to the Health Minister, Dr. Javed Akram, cases of vision impairment have also been reported in Multan and Sadiqabad.
On the other hand, the Special Health Secretary, Dr. Jamal Nasir, stated that counterfeit injections were being sold by different dealers in Lahore, Kasur, Multan, and Sadiqabad. It is evident that in Lahore alone, 12 individuals lost their vision due to substandard injections.
According to the Health Minister, data is being collected on those involved in the business of selling counterfeit injections in various cities of Punjab. No employee of the network selling counterfeit injections has been arrested so far. The Punjab Health Department has requested the filing of cases against those involved in making counterfeit injections.
Dr. Nasir Jamal mentioned that lists of individuals affected by counterfeit injections are also being prepared.
In addition, the Punjab government has initiated an investigation into the loss of vision in numerous patients due to locally prepared injections called “Avastin” in hospitals across the province. According to a report by Dawn newspaper, a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter, and the committee will submit its report in three days. Recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future will also be proposed.
Dr. Jamal Nasir, the Primary and Secondary Health Care Minister for Punjab, took notice of the eye infection incidents and formed a five-member committee. The committee is chaired by Dr. Asad Islam Khan, Commissioner of Drugs Control Muhammad Sahil, Dr. Muhammad Moeein from Mayo Hospital, Dr. Tayyaba from Lahore General Hospital, and Professor Dr. Mohsin from Services Hospital are among the committee members.
According to reports, Avastin injections, intended for treating diabetes patients’ eye conditions, were administered in Lahore, Kasur, and Jhang districts. However, these injections led to severe infections, resulting in nearly 12 patients losing their vision, including senior People’s Party leader Chaudhry Manzoor’s brother and friends.
Dr. Asim Ghul, who administered the injections at Sharif Hospital, revealed that Avastin is usually used to treat diabetic-related vision impairments. Typically, one patient receives 3 to 4 injections. However, in this case, several patients suffered vision loss. Three of the affected patients underwent surgery, and their vision was restored.
Dr. Asim Ghul further explained that Professor Asad Islam from Mayo Hospital expressed concerns and wrote to the Health Department. They have also instructed all doctors and patients not to use Avastin injections. Sales of Avastin injections have been halted at medical stores, wholesalers, and distributors. Samples of the injections have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of contamination.
Dr. Nasir Jamal, speaking to the media, said that the godown (where the injections were stored) has been sealed, and drug inspectors across Punjab are taking active measures to prevent the sale of these injections. All doctors and patients have been advised not to use Avastin injections. They have also informed the Health Department about the source of the biocompatibility of these injections, emphasizing the need to focus on possible sources of contamination.
(Thanks to: Dawn News)