City Desk :
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen on Saturday said tougher action will be taken against those who are involved for banned drug Halosin for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia for all types of surgery.
“The government has banned Halosin drug used for anaesthesia while any surgery of patient was performed. The authorities will continue their drive against production, sale and marketing,” he told a press conference at Directorate General of Drug Administration at Mohakhalia in the city, an official release said, reports BSS.
The health minister warned that license of clinics and healthcare facilities will be cancelled, if this (Halosin) drug is used for performing surgery.
Secretary of Health Service Division Md Jahangir Alam and Additional Director General of Directorate General of Health Service Prof Dr Ahmedul Kabir, among others, were present at the press conference.
Production of Halothane, a cost-effective sedative used during major surgeries, has been stopped by the API manufacturer as its worldwide demand has been reduced significantly.
Meanwhile, to mitigate the impact of Halothane shortage, the government has initiated the procurement of anaesthetic vaporiser for government hospitals. Additionally, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has decided to incorporate Halothane alternatives in the procurement list for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dr Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan, director (Hospitals and Clinics) at DGHS, also said machines for using alternative drugs are being purchased and will be gradually installed in all hospitals.
Doctors are concerned regarding the potential rise of treatment costs for patients in private hospitals due to the higher expenses associated with alternative anaesthetic drugs.
Dr Shoman Aniruddha, an anaesthetist at Mugda Medical College Hospital, said the hospital is currently relying on its remaining Halothane stock. He highlighted the challenges associated with alternative drugs, citing their higher prices and the unavailability of necessary machines in many hospitals.