In a major move to ensure drug safety and public health, the Punjab government has banned eight intravenous (IV) drugs and fluids manufactured by three pharmaceutical companies.
The decision follows recent reports of adverse drug reactions and the Coldrif cough syrup controversy that raised concerns about medicine quality across the state.
Punjab Acts to Protect Public Health
The order was issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare.
It directed all civil surgeons, medical superintendents, and district hospital heads to immediately stop using, issuing, or purchasing the listed drugs and IV fluids.
The directive, dated October 10, said the decision was made after suspected cases of adverse drug reactions were reported from several healthcare centers.
As a precautionary step, the state government has suspended all affected batches until further testing confirms their safety.
Drugs and Companies Under Suspension
The banned items include specific batches of normal saline, dextrose, ciprofloxacin, DNS, and other intravenous fluids.
These products were manufactured by:
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Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
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Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd.
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Health Biotech Ltd.
Among the flagged products are:
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Two normal saline batches made in May 2025
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One dextrose injection batch
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Ciprofloxacin injections produced in late 2024
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DNS 0.9%, N/2 plus dextrose fluid, and bupivacaine with dextrose manufactured between December 2023 and December 2024
All government hospitals and health centers have been asked to comply immediately with the suspension.
Expert Committee to Review Drug Reactions
The Punjab Health Systems Corporation has been instructed to review all reported cases linked to these drugs.
An expert committee will be formed to analyze the reports, verify drug quality, and submit a detailed safety assessment.
“This is a precautionary measure to ensure patient safety. The suspension will continue until lab tests confirm that the batches are safe,”
said a senior health department official.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Drug Quality
This latest move follows the recent withdrawal of Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, after several adverse reaction reports surfaced from multiple districts.
According to health officials, the decision reflects the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug quality lapses and its commitment to safeguarding public health.
“Ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of all medicines supplied in Punjab is our top priority,” an official added.
