Punjab govt bans suspect IV saline batch after patients fall ill in Amritsar and Sangrur hospitals
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has imposed a ban on a particular batch of normal saline solution (commonly referred to as glucose) after multiple patients in Amritsar and Sangrur hospitals experienced severe health complications post-administration. The incidents, occurring consecutively in two government hospitals, have prompted an urgent investigation.
Health officials have sent samples of the suspect saline batch for laboratory testing, with results expected within the next two to three days. Drug inspectors have already started collecting and dispatching samples for analysis.
The latest case was reported on March 14 (Holi) at the Sangrur Civil Hospital’s gynecology ward, where more than 15 patients were receiving treatment. As soon as they were administered the saline, several women began experiencing severe chills, high fever, and difficulty in breathing, leading to panic among doctors and attendants.
The alarming situation caused chaos in the hospital, prompting the authorities to deploy the police outside the gynecology ward to maintain order. However, doctors managed to stabilise the affected patients within a few hours. Following the incident, the authorities immediately banned the use of the suspect saline batch across all hospitals in Punjab.
Since the incident took place in Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s home district, the Principal Secretary of the Health Department, Kumar Rahul, personally visited the Sangrur Civil Hospital to assess the situation. He interacted with 14 affected patients, confirming that all were in stable condition.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated, “We will take strict action at every level where lapses are found. If the saline samples are deemed unfit, the supplier or firm responsible will face strict legal consequences.”
- PTC NEWS
