Substandard injection controversy: two patients die at Mayo Hospital

LAHORE: A second patient has died due to alleged adverse effects of a substandard injection administered at Mayo Hospital, raising concerns over medical safety. According to Mayo Hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Ehtesham-ul-Haq, the alleged injection was not procured by the hospital, rather the procurement was carried out by the DG Health Office.

He added that the DG Health Office supplied these injections to four other hospitals apart from Mayo Hospital. Dr Haq explained that the cases of adverse reactions emerged after the administration of the third dose of the injection. He confirmed that the injections have been sent to the Drug Testing Laboratory for analysis.

Earlier, Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mehmood reached Mayo Hospital for an emergency meeting at the hospital’s chest ward. Vice-Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, COO Mayo Hospital, and MS Mayo Hospital were also present in the meeting.

According to MS Mayo Hospital Dr Ehtesham-ul-Haq, a patient named Daulat Khan passed away late at night, bringing the death toll to two. The deceased was 26 years old and had been admitted to the hospital for surgery. According to Aaj News, at least 18 patients have been allegedly affected by the injection which is used to treat lung infections. The mishap took place in the chest ward leading to the suspension of the injection’s usage.

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Following the incident, Mayo Hospital CEO Professor Haroon Hamid has formed a committee to investigate the matter. Dr Haq stated that the committee is expected to submit its report by 11am today. It was also told that the affected patients are being tended to with the best possible treatment.

Additionally, the Punjab Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Department has also constituted a separate committee to probe the issue.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the reported deaths of patients and has sought a report from the Secretary of Specialised Healthcare. She directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for affected patients.