Ceftriaxone Injection
LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed a ban on the use of the Ceftriaxone injection across all hospitals in the province following the reported deaths of two patients at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, due to severe reactions to the drug.
The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent further casualties and to investigate the matter thoroughly. Punjab’s Secretary of Health, Azmat Mahmood, confirmed the deaths and announced the formation of an inquiry committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
In response to the alarming situation, the Health Secretary also directed an immediate suspension of the Ceftriaxone injection’s use across the province. Hospitals have been instructed to stop administering the drug until further notice and await the findings of the investigation.
The Medical Superintendent (MS) of Jinnah Hospital disclosed that their hospital had also received a supply of Ceftriaxone from the Punjab Health Department. However, after the fatal incidents at Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital has decided to return the stock as a precautionary measure.
According to sources, the batch of Ceftriaxone injections in question was set to expire in May 2026. The procurement of the drug was handled by the Director General (DG) Health Punjab rather than Mayo Hospital itself, raising concerns about the quality control and distribution process.
So far, two patients, a man and a woman, have lost their lives due to severe reactions linked to the injection, while 18 others have reportedly been affected. All affected individuals were admitted to the Chest Surgery Ward at Mayo Hospital, where they received the injection before experiencing adverse effects.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken serious notice of the incident and has instructed the Specialized Healthcare Secretary to submit a comprehensive report on the matter. She has also ordered strict action against those found responsible for the negligence, emphasizing the need for accountability in the healthcare system.
This incident follows a series of reforms initiated by the Punjab Chief Minister in the province’s healthcare sector. Earlier, during a surprise visit to Mayo Hospital, she took swift action after receiving multiple complaints from patients and their attendants about poor hospital management and inadequate facilities.
As a result, she removed the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) from his position, signaling a strong stance against inefficiency and mismanagement in the health sector.
The situation remains critical as authorities investigate the cause of the adverse reactions to the Ceftriaxone injection. The Punjab government has assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure patient safety and prevent such incidents in the future.
