ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Punjab’s interim Health Minister, Dr. Javed Akram, announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with the Avastin injection scandal. The eye drug is suspected of causing vision loss in diabetic patients throughout the province.
“I pledge that no leniency will be granted to any suspect in this case,” he declared.
Multiple diabetic patients in Lahore, Kasur, and Jhang districts received Avastin injections to treat retinal damage, but unfortunately, these injections resulted in severe infections. The problem first came to light when there were reports about a series of adverse reactions to the drug in the Kasur district.
According to medical professionals, patients developed a life-threatening condition known as endophthalmitis, which is an inflammation of the inner layers of the eye leading to vision loss.
Official data has shown that the alleged contaminated drug significantly affected the vision of 68 patients in the province since the scandal emerged. The Punjab government has imposed an indefinite ban on the eye drug throughout the province and has also established a portal to gather information about affected patients and provide them with treatment.
A high-level investigation is currently in progress to identify the primary factors responsible for the vision loss among patients who received these injections in Punjab.
Punjab Health Minister’s Response to Avastin Scandal
In a recent media briefing, the provincial health minister informed journalists that authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the injection scandal but chose not to divulge additional details about the suspects.
He emphasized that they are thoroughly investigating the incident from all perspectives. He further showed his commitment to ensure that all those involved in the scam face justice. “The Punjab government faces no external pressure in this inquiry,” Dr. Akram clarified.
Furthermore, he confirmed that the medical team has performed surgeries on 15 out of the 68 affected cases identified so far. The authorities actively dedicate themselves to restoring the vision of these patients.
Dr. Akram also confirmed that they have sealed all locations selling the allegedly adulterated eye drug.
Punjab’s Avastin Injection Crisis Response
The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) Board of Commissioners, led by Chairperson Justice Muhammad Bilal Khan, directed senior management to prepare for special inspections of hospitals where eye infections resulted from Avastin injections.
The PHC will investigate import and administration practices, while hospitals will undergo inspections for service standards compliance, including infection control and medication management. They actively issued an advisory for affected patients to file complaints, providing a WhatsApp option at 0306 0843500 to initiate PHC investigations.
