Chandigarh, October 12:
Following multiple reports of suspected adverse reactions from intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotic injections at several government hospitals, the Punjab Health Department has ordered an immediate ban and suspension on the use of eight drugs.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the decision was taken after several patients reportedly suffered reactions after being administered these medicines in government facilities.
“Samples have been sent for further checks and strict action will be taken against firms found at fault. We cannot allow anyone to play with innocent lives,” said Dr. Singh.
He added that patient safety remains the department’s top priority.
“As a precautionary measure, we have halted the use of these IV fluids. The department is maintaining strict vigilance to ensure only quality medicines reach hospitals. No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to patient safety,” he said.
The banned drugs 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.
A senior government doctor said that hospitals have been directed to recall the entire stock of these items and stop administering them to patients immediately.
The directive also mandates the formation of a committee to review suspected adverse drug reactions from the affected batches, which were procured this year and are valid till 2026–2028.
According to official reports, the banned items were manufactured by pharmaceutical firms including Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd., and Health Biotech Ltd.