Chandigarh: Fifteen patients admitted to civil hospital in Sangrur reported having “mild reactions” after they were administered intravenous glucose, leading to authorities withdrawing the stock of a particular batch of medicines. Ruling AAP MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj visited the hospital to enquire about the well-being of the affected patients.
“I reached the civil hospital-Sangrur after I received the news that there was some reaction after the women patients were given IV fluid post-delivery. I enquired about their well-being and I also met a team of doctors,” she told reporters.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the patients’ condition was stable.
“Mild reactions were reported today in Sangrur after the use of Glucose IV Fluid in fifteen patients. Immediate action has been taken. All stocks have been withdrawn from Punjab,” Singh said in a post and a video message on X.
Samples have been sent for urgent testing, and strict action will be taken in case any negligence is found, the minister said.
“There is no need to panic. Our medical experts are closely monitoring the situation. All patients who experienced this reaction are fine. Your health is our top priority,” he said in the post.
Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab, Kumar Rahul, who also visited the hospital, said three patients initially had some health problems due to the administration of normal saline, but the doctors gave them treatment and no patient needed to be referred.
He said the use of normal saline related to the batch has been banned in all hospitals in Punjab.
According to an official statement, he said that the drug Inspector is taking saline samples and sending them to a laboratory for testing, the results of which are likely to come in the next two to three days.
Kumar Rahul said if the samples are found to be unfit, appropriate action will be taken against the supplier.
Meanwhile, the opposition trained guns at the AAP government over the incident.
“Look at the results of @AamAadmiParty’s so-called ‘Delhi Health Model’! In Sangrur, 15 pregnant women fell ill after being given glucose drips.
“Is this what ‘Aam Aadmi’ governance looks like? Punjab’s healthcare system is crumbling under AAP’s watch. #AAP Failed Punjab #Jawaab Mangda Hai Punjab,” Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring posted on X.>
