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. ADRs range from minor side effects to serious life-threatening events. The directive, issued by the director, health and family welfare, on Friday, has instructed all civil surgeons, medical superintendents, and district hospital authorities to stop the use, issue, and procurement of specific batches of Normal Saline, Dextrose, Ciprofloxacin, DNS, and other IV fluids until further orders. Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh said a panel has been formed and action will be taken against the suppliers based on the report submitted. "Our stand is clear that patient care is our priority; therefore, we have stopped the usage of these IV fluids. No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to the safety of patients," he added. Kumar Rahul, principal secretary, health department, said the samples are being sent to the laboratory for further testing. "There have been sporadic cases in various parts of the state. We are going to test samples of these batches in our lab," he said, while refusing to comment on the number of ADRs reported. The circular also calls for a committee to be formed by the Punjab health systems corporation (PHSC) to evaluate the suspected ADRs linked to the batches that were procured this year and have expiry dates ranging from 2026 to 2028. As per the orders, a copy of which is with HT, the suspension covers eight items manufactured by different pharmaceutical firms, including Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Private Limited, and Health Biotech Limited. The IV fluids and injection list includes normal saline (Sodium Chloride Injection IP 0.9%); Dextrose Injection IP 5%; Ciprofloxacin Injection IP 200 mg; DNS 0.9%, N/L + Dextrose 5% IV Fluid; and Bupivacaine HCL with Dextrose Injection. This is not the first time Punjab has faced issues related to IV fluid quality. In May this year, the Punjab health department recalled an IV fluid Ringer's Lactate, while in March last year, Normal Saline (NS was banned from circulation after 20 pregnant women fell ill in Sangrur. An emergency medical officer at the Patiala health department, pleading anonymity, said, "If we can't ensure the quality of such basic medicines, then patient care goes for a toss," he said. Dr Akhil Sarin, state president, Punjab civil medical services association, said that there is a need to strengthen the procurement procedures. "Although the regulatory mechanisms are in place both at the Centre and state levels, these need to be strengthened further," he said....