Punjab Health authorities suspend 11 drug inspectors over Avastin vision loss

Lahore: The Punjab health department took decisive action on Monday, suspending 11 drug inspectors for their alleged negligence in a case related to Avastin injections, which reportedly caused "loss of vision" among patients in the province.

The reports suggested that around 40 diabetes patients in Lahore suffered a decline in eyesight due to the administration of substandard injections. Chaudhry Manzoor, a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), disclosed that his brother and a friend experienced vision problems after receiving the injections directly into their eyes.

Meanwhile, the Punjab health authorities suspended 11 drug inspectors from Multan, Sadiqabad, Khanewal, Sahiwal, and other areas.

Dr. Jamal Nasir announced that the supply of Avastin injections would be reinstated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) following a thorough inspection.

In related developments, Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan announced on Sunday that the sale and distribution of Avastin injections had been halted. This decision followed a meeting between Dr. Jan and the Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care, Dr. Jamal Nasir.

It is important to note that a case has been registered against the suppliers of Avastin injections, and a five-member committee has been formed to investigate the reported cases of "vision loss."