HT Correspondent
AGARTALA, Jan 17: The Health and Family Welfare Department of Tripura has imposed an immediate ban on the use of IV fluids manufactured in 2023 by West Bengal Pharmaceutical, citing safety concerns.
The decision comes in the wake of reports about the deaths of four lactating mothers in Ballari, Karnataka, allegedly caused by the administration of Compound Sodium Lactate Injection IV (Ringer Lactate Solution). These incidents, reported in late November 2024, prompted the Deputy Drug Controller to conduct extensive raids across various drug stores in Tripura.
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A senior health official clarified that there is no shortage of saline in the state’s major hospitals, GB Pant (GBP) and IGM, as adequate stocks are available at the Central Medical Store.
“Upon receiving the complaints, immediate action was taken. While the Ringer Lactate Solution linked to the Karnataka deaths was not found in any drug stores in Tripura, four batches were discovered at GBP Hospital’s medical store. Samples from these batches were collected on December 4, 2024, for testing,” the official stated.
The samples have been sent to the Regional Testing Laboratory in Guwahati, with the results expected soon. In the interim, authorities have issued precautionary orders to suspend the use of IV fluids, including DNS, NS, and RL salines, from West Bengal Pharmaceutical.
On January 15, 2025, the Superintendent of GBP Hospital confirmed the prohibition of saline from the pharmaceutical company. To address potential shortages, the Family Welfare and Immunization Department has supplied 10,000 units of NS, 5,000 units of DNS, and 5,000 units of RL, while the Health Department has added 4,000 units of NS, 2,000 units of DNS, and 3,000 units of RL.
Similarly, IGM Hospital, which does not stock the disputed batches, has followed suit by temporarily banning all IV fluids manufactured by West Bengal Pharmaceutical in 2023. To ensure uninterrupted care, 2,600 units of IV fluids were delivered to IGM Hospital from the Central Medical Store.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting the laboratory results to determine the next steps.
