Chandigarh: The Punjab government has imposed a ban on the use and purchase of eight medicines across all government hospitals in the state. The directive was issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare following multiple complaints of adverse reactions reported among patients who had been administered these drugs.
According to officials, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure patient safety while the matter is investigated further. The Directorate has instructed all civil surgeons and hospital authorities to immediately stop prescribing and dispensing the listed medicines.
The ban covers products manufactured by three pharmaceutical companies, Sawroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd and Health Biotech Ltd , whose drugs were reportedly linked to the adverse reactions. Samples of the medicines have been sent for quality testing, and a detailed report is awaited.
A senior health department official said, “The safety of patients is our top priority. Until we receive the final test results and confirm the quality standards, these medicines will remain banned in all state-run hospitals.”
The health department has also advised private hospitals and chemists to exercise caution and refrain from using or selling these medicines until further notice.
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