Punjab Govt Debars Captab Biotech for 3 Years Over Non-Standard Saline Supply
Chandigarh, June 12: In a decisive move to uphold public health and drug safety, the Punjab Government has debarred Captab Biotech, a Solan-based pharmaceutical company, from participating in government tenders for three years. The company was supplying non-standard quality IV fluids (Normal Saline) to state-run hospitals, which allegedly triggered adverse drug reactions (ADR) in multiple patients in Amritsar and Sangrur.
Announcing the action at a press conference, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated that all 11 item rate contracts held by Captab Biotech with the Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC) have been cancelled with immediate effect. In addition, the ₹3.30 lakh performance security furnished by the firm has been forfeited, and pending payments have been blocked.
CDSCO Halts Manufacturing, State Recalls Saline Stock
In a swift follow-up, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has halted all manufacturing activities of Captab Biotech. This comes after the Punjab Government approached the authority under provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to initiate legal and regulatory action.
The health minister confirmed that the entire stock of the implicated saline was frozen and recalled by PHSC after ADRs were reported. A joint inspection and sampling operation by the FDA Punjab and CDSCO, New Delhi, confirmed that the saline supplied by the company did not meet prescribed standards.
“We’ve acted promptly to safeguard the lives of our people. This kind of negligence cannot be tolerated in the healthcare system,” Dr Balbir Singh asserted.
Labs Under Scrutiny for Lapses
The minister further revealed that the three laboratories which initially cleared the saline as fit for use are now under departmental scrutiny. Their apparent failure in detecting quality deficiencies is being investigated to determine accountability.
Captab Biotech, meanwhile, has recalled all leftover saline stock at its own cost, following instructions from PHSC to do so across all government health institutions in Punjab.
Heatwave Advisory Issued Amid Rising Temperatures
On a related health note, Dr Balbir Singh issued a public advisory in light of the severe heatwave warning by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Citizens have been urged to take the following precautions:
- Stay hydrated with frequent water intake
- Avoid going outdoors between 12 PM and 3 PM
- Wear light, cotton clothing and cover heads with caps or dupattas
- Consume seasonal fruits and hydrating drinks like lassi, lemon water, and coconut water
- Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or stale foods
- Be especially cautious with elderly people, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses
“Outdoor workers, including laborers and street vendors, must take regular breaks and stay shaded during peak heat hours,” Dr Singh emphasized.
In case of heatstroke symptoms—such as dizziness, dry skin, vomiting, or fainting—people are advised to call the 104 helpline or seek immediate medical attention.
COVID-19 Update: Mild Rise in Cases, No Cause for Panic
Dr Balbir Singh also addressed concerns regarding a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases. While the situation remains under control, he urged citizens not to panic but to resume COVID-appropriate behavior such as:
- Avoiding crowded places
- Wearing masks, especially for high-risk individuals
- Seeking medical help for fever, cough, or breathing difficulties
The Health Department will implement any new guidelines issued by the Government of India as the situation evolves.