In Lahore, the health authorities in Punjab have issued a round-the-clockalert to the medical superintendents of all government teaching hospitals.This alert aims to ensure continuous readiness for treating patients witheye infections, as a contagious eye ailment has been rapidly spreadingthroughout the province. In the past 24 hours alone, there have beenreports of up to 20,000 patients affected.
Furthermore, the health department has taken immediate action byprohibiting the use of an injection in hospitals that has been linked tothe eye disease outbreak. Additionally, guidelines have been issued to thepublic to help prevent eye infections.
The infection has been spreading at an alarming rate across Punjab, withestimates from health authorities suggesting that around 20,000 patientswith eye diseases have sought treatment in both government and privatehospitals.
This includes 500 cases in Mayo Hospital, 481 in Lahore General Hospital,390 in Services Hospital, 180 in Children’s Hospital, 300 in Ganga RamHospital, and 250 in Gulab Devi Hospital in Lahore. Private hospitals inLahore have also seen an influx of around 6,000 patients with eyeinfections.
Health officials have reported that some patients who received a specificinjection from a particular company experienced deteriorating health,including allegations of vision loss. As a result, the department hasordered hospitals to discontinue the use of this injection, with druginspectors and pharmacists instructed to remove it from all healthcarefacilities.
A five-member inquiry committee has been established to investigate thematter and provide a report. Meanwhile, hospitals have been directed toprovide maximum facilities and care to affected patients. The inquirycommittee, led by senior eye specialist Dr. Asad Aslam and includingrepresentatives from various hospitals, has been tasked with proposingpractical solutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
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In parallel, drug inspectors across Punjab have initiated inspections ofinjections in medical stores and sealed pharmacies found sellingcounterfeit products. While there have been complaints suggesting the useof expired injections as a possible cause of the problem, the findings ofthe inquiry committee will shed light on the matter.
The health authorities strongly recommend that patients with eye diseasesvisit government hospitals where eye specialists are on duty. Moreover,individuals are advised to maintain a safe distance from others to preventthe spread of the eye infection, especially as it can be transmittedthrough coughing and physical contact.
Frequent handwashing with sanitizers is also encouraged. Additionally, it’sadvised not to handle the used clothing and belongings of infected patientsat home and to maintain a safe distance from them.