Chandigarh, June 12,
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced strict measures against M/s Captab Biotech Solan for supplying substandard IV Fluid (Normal Saline) to the Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC), following adverse drug reactions (ADR) in patients at hospitals in Amritsar and Sangrur.
Speaking at a press conference in Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Singh stated that the company has been barred from Punjab Government tenders for three years, and its rate contracts for 11 items with PHSC have been terminated immediately. The firm’s performance security of Rs. 3.30 lakh has been forfeited, and pending payments have been withheld.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) acted swiftly on Punjab’s request, halting all manufacturing activities of Captab Biotech under the Drug and Cosmetics Act. The DHS Punjab froze the entire stock of the implicated saline, and PHSC ordered a recall of all supplied stock, which the company retrieved at its own cost. A joint team of FDA Punjab and CDSCO conducted sampling, and the role of three labs that initially passed the substandard samples is now under investigation for lapses.
watch….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJB-X2Rjh-c
Amid a severe heatwave warning from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Dr. Singh issued a public advisory, urging citizens to stay hydrated, carry water, and take precautions, especially for vulnerable groups like newborns, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. He advised laborers, construction workers, and street vendors to take breaks in shaded areas and sip water during peak heat hours (12 PM to 3 PM). The public was encouraged to wear light cotton clothing, cover heads, and consume hydrating drinks like lemon water, lassi, and coconut water, while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and stale food. For heat-related illness symptoms—high temperature, dry skin, dizziness, or unconsciousness—immediate medical help via the 104 helpline was recommended.
With a slight rise in COVID-19 cases, Dr. Singh advised against panic but urged adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior, such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded places, especially for the elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women, and those with health conditions. Citizens experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or breathing difficulties should seek prompt medical attention. The Punjab Government remains committed to following future COVID-19 guidelines from the Government of India.
