Patiala, Oct. 12 -- Following reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from various government health facilities across the state, the Punjab health department has ordered an immediate withdrawal and banned the use of at least eight intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotic injections.

An ADR is a harmful, unintended reaction to a medicinal product that occurs at doses normally used for treatment, prophylaxis, or diagnosis. ADRs range from minor side effects to serious life-threatening events and are a significant cause of hospital admissions and patient harm.

The directive, issued by the director, health and family welfare, issued on Friday, has instructed all civil surgeons, medical superintendents, and district hospital author...