A day after two infants died after they were allegedly given Tramadol tablets, a painkiller, instead of Paracetemol, the State government has withdrawn Tramadol tablets and injections from Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Basthi Dawakhanas.
A memo issued by Principal Health Secretary directed the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, and Director of Public Health (DPH) to take action against those responsible for the incident by March 10. Besides, the DPH was directed to submit a detailed report by Monday.
The memo also directed the Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSMSIDC) to change the size of Tramadol tablets, their packaging and colour by April 8.
It is suspected that the staff at the UPHC may have gotten confused between Paracetemol and Tramadol, as they have similar packaging.
Committee constituted
Meanwhile, the State government has constituted an eight-member expert committee with Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare as chairperson and Director of Public Health as convenor, to review the vaccination drive and the system of arranging drugs at PHCs and sub-centres. The Principal Secretary has instructed the Director of Public Health and District Medical and Health Officer to terminate the Medical Officer, three ANMs and the pharmacist at the UPHC, Nampally.
The public health supervisor at the UPHC should also be suspended and Telangana State Medical Council, Nurses and Midwives’ Council and Pharmacy Council be asked to take action against medical officer, ANMs, and pharmacists. Officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department said immunisation of infants with Pentavalent vaccine would continue on Saturday.
Off ventilator support
The three infants whose condition was critical are taken off ventilator now. Besides, some of the infants have gained consciousness and were given food.