— Strict action taken after adverse reactions reported in Amritsar & Sangrur hospitals: Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh
— Rs 3.30 lakh performance security forfeited, pending payments withheld, says Dr Balbir Singh
— CDSCO takes prompt action, stops manufacturing of M/s Captab Biotech
CHANDIGARH, June 12:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday announced stringent action against M/s Captab Biotech Solan, the pharmaceutical firm responsible for manufacturing and supplying non-standard quality IV Fluid or Normal Saline bottles to the Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC).
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, the Health Minister revealed that the company has been debarred for three years from participating in any Punjab Government tenders and all the rate contracts for 11 items being supplied to PHSC have also been cancelled with immediate effect.
“Besides performance security of Rs 3,30,000/- of the firm has been forfeited and pending payments have been withheld,” said Dr Balbir Singh.
The Minister said that after the Punjab Government has taken up this matter with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for taking action under provisions of Drug and Cosmetics Act, the authority has taken prompt action and stopped all manufacturing/production of the company with immediate effect.
The development came following Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) were observed in a few patients at government health institutions in Amritsar and Sangrur due to use of Normal saline manufactured by this company M/s Captab Biotech. Taking immediate action, the DHS Punjab had freezed the entire stock of said normal saline in the interest of health of people of Punjab and PHSC recalled all the stock supplied by the firm.
Dr Balbir Singh informed that sampling of said normal saline was undertaken by joint team of FDA Punjab and CDSCO, New Delhi. The said company had also taken back all the left-out stock after PHSC instructed to recall all the stock of normal saline from all the health institutions across the state at their own cost, he added.
“Besides this, the role of the three Labs which initially passed the samples of this company which later got declared ‘Non-specified Quality’ is also under scrutiny of the Department for lapses,” he said.
In view of the severe heatwave warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh also has issued a public advisory urging all citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from extreme heat. He emphasised the importance of staying hydrated by drinking water frequently and always carrying it when stepping outdoors. He highlighted that special care must be taken for vulnerable groups including newborns, children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with obesity or mental illness, and those suffering from heart diseases or chronic conditions.
He also stressed that labourers, construction workers, and street vendors working under direct sunlight are particularly at risk and should take frequent breaks in shaded areas and sip water regularly during peak heat hours.
The Health Minister further advised the public to avoid outdoor activities between 12 pm and 3 pm, wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, and cover their heads with caps, turbans, or dupattas when stepping out. He encouraged the consumption of seasonal fruits and hydrating homemade drinks like lemon water, lassi, and coconut water, while avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages, fried, or stale food. If anyone shows signs of heat-related illness—such as high body temperature, absence of sweating, dry red skin, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or unconsciousness—they must seek immediate medical attention by calling the 104 helpline.
In wake of the slight rise in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, Dr Balbir Singh urged public not to panic, while advising them follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to prevent further spread of the virus. People should avoid crowded places and wear masks, especially elderly individuals, immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are more vulnerable to infection.
Meanwhile, Citizens are also urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty in breathing. The Government of Punjab remains committed to implementing all future guidelines and instructions issued by the Government of India in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
