Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Mayo Hospital, where he met with patients being treated for conjunctivitis in the eye ward, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
This visit comes in the wake of a health crisis involving the use of a particular injection in a private hospital, which has been linked to the patients’ condition.
Two batches of the injection have been halted, and an investigation is underway to determine those responsible for this public health issue.
CM Naqvi assured that the investigation would bring those responsible to justice, acknowledging the oversight in the checking process by drug inspectors.
He stated, “It is our fault that our drug inspectors did not check it.” The Chief Minister emphasised that the issue would not be resolved merely by transferring officers, but by establishing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
A day before, the Punjab government has imposed a two-week ban on the sales and usage of Avastin for ophthalmology-related treatments.
CM Naqvi has announced that the patients affected by these injections will receive free medical treatment. He has also pledged immediate strict action against the drug inspectors responsible for the availability of these non-sterile injections, with an inquiry pending.
He also stated that the government will form a high-powered inquiry team to ensure a swift investigation into the matter.
In addition, the police have been instructed to ensure the arrests of those found responsible for the incidents. These measures underline the government’s commitment to addressing this health crisis and holding those accountable who are responsible.