Bengal Govt bans 14 medicines of WB Pharmaceuticals after saline row

The West Bengal government has banned 14 medicines supplied by the state agency West Bengal Pharmaceuticals following the death of a pregnant woman at Medinipur Medical College Hospital. The woman reportedly suffered serious complications after being administered Ringer Lactate Solution, allegedly supplied by the agency.  

The Health Department issued an official order on Tuesday, instructing all government hospitals to immediately discontinue the use of these medicines. Hospitals have also been directed to remove any existing stocks of the banned medicines without delay.  

Out of the 14 banned medicines, seven will now be sourced from other pharmaceutical companies, while the remaining seven must be purchased directly by the hospitals from the market. The state government has assured that funds will be provided to hospitals for procuring these medicines.  

The list of banned medicines includes commonly used solutions like Ringer Lactate, Dextrose Solution, Levofloxacin Infusion, Paracetamol Infusion, Sodium Chloride Injection, and Pediatric Maintenance Electrolyte Solution. These medicines are critical in healthcare settings, and their sudden ban has necessitated swift action to ensure uninterrupted patient care.  

This precautionary step comes after reports of similar incidents in Karnataka, where five pregnant women died, raising concerns about the quality of medicines supplied by West Bengal Pharmaceuticals. An investigation in Karnataka highlighted potential quality issues with these medicines, prompting the West Bengal government to take decisive action to safeguard public health.  

Efforts to replace the banned medicines are already underway, with hospitals initiating the process of ordering alternatives. The state government’s move underscores its commitment to ensuring patient safety in all healthcare facilities across West Bengal.