The Punjab government has banned eight more intravenous drugs and fluids after reports of adverse reactions surfaced in several districts. The move comes soon after the withdrawal of Coldrif cough syrup, which was linked to similar safety concerns.
Punjab Acts to Ensure Drug Safety
In a new directive issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, all civil surgeons, medical superintendents, and district hospital heads have been ordered to stop using, issuing, and purchasing the listed medicines immediately.
The order, dated October 10, was issued following complaints of adverse drug reactions from different hospitals. Officials said this action is a precautionary measure to protect public health until lab testing and quality checks confirm the safety of the affected batches.
Drugs and Manufacturers Under Suspension
The circular lists specific batches of:
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Normal Saline
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Dextrose
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Ciprofloxacin
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DNS 0.9%
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N/2 plus Dextrose Fluid
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Bupivacaine with Dextrose
These drugs were manufactured by:
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Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
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Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd.
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Health Biotech Ltd.
Among the flagged products are two batches of normal saline made in May 2025, one dextrose injection batch, and ciprofloxacin injections produced in late 2024. Other suspended batches were manufactured between December 2023 and December 2024.
Government Orders Strict Compliance
The Directorate has directed all state hospitals and medical institutions to immediately comply with the ban.
The Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) has been asked to review all adverse reaction reports, form an expert committee, and submit a detailed report on the issue.
A senior health official said, “This is a precautionary step to protect patients. The suspension will continue until the safety and quality of the affected medicines are verified.”
Action Follows Coldrif Syrup Ban
This latest move comes just days after the Punjab government recalled Coldrif cough syrup, made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, due to suspected side effects in multiple districts.
Officials emphasized that these measures reflect the department’s zero-tolerance policy toward poor-quality or unsafe medicines and its commitment to safeguard public health.
