LAHORE: The Punjab health department on Monday suspended 11 drug inspectors over their negligence in a matter related to Avastin injection that allegedly caused ‘loss of vision’ in the province.
The eyesight of 40 diabetic patients in Lahore suffered as a result of receiving substandard injections. Chaudhry Manzoor, a leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), disclosed that his brother and a friend experienced vision issues after receiving the injection directly into their eyes.
According to Dr. Jamal Nasir, the Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare in Punjab, the 11 drug inspectors from Multan, Sadiqabad, Khanewal, Sahiwal, and other regions have been suspended in connection with this incident. Dr. Jamal also mentioned that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) would inspect the supply of Avastin injection before restoring it.
On Sunday, Caretaker Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan announced that the sale and distribution of Avastin injection had been halted. This announcement followed a meeting with Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care Dr. Jamal Nasir.
It is to be noted that a legal action has been initiated against the suppliers of Avastin injection, and a five-member committee has been established to investigate the cases of alleged ‘vision loss.’
