Kolkata: Serious flaws have been found in the quality and sterilization process of saline manufactured by West Bengal Pharmaceutical. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and State Drug Control have recommended an immediate halt to all activities of the company.
The State Drug Control Research Laboratory has revealed that several samples of the controversial saline are still pending for testing. An official admitted delay in the report due to lack of technicians. The report of the samples sent in June has not been prepared yet. After the intervention of the state health department, the report has been assured to be completed by this week.
In December, the Health Department of Karnataka also lodged complaints regarding the quality of Ringers Lactate Saline. The inspection conducted from December 4 to 6 revealed serious flaws in quality control and documentation. Necessary tests and records were not available.
In May 2023, about 32 thousand 500 Ringers Lactate were supplied to four districts of Karnataka. 27 complaints were registered, in which 16 samples failed the quality test. Blaming the use of this saline for the deaths of pregnant women, the Karnataka Health Department had sought the intervention of the Central Government. Despite this, the West Bengal government did not take notice and the company continued to supply goods. There are also allegations that the company had continuously given huge amounts of money as bribes to some officials of the Health Department.
The State Drug Control Research Laboratory said that the first 12 samples tested passed the quality test, but the report of the subsequent samples is still unknown. This problem has arisen due to lack of technicians and excessive workload. The laboratory should have 45 technicians, but there are only 12. To reduce the backlog, 20 technicians will soon be appointed on contract.
