Two dead, 15 sickened after antibiotic reaction at Pakistan hospital

Two patients, including a woman, died, and 15 others fell ill after reacting to an antibiotic injection at a government-run hospital in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, hospital officials said.

The incident took place at Mayo Hospital, where Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had recently taken action against mismanagement.

During her visit to the hospital on Thursday, she ordered the removal of its chief executive officer, Dr Asghar Nauman, and medical superintendent, Professor Dr Faisal Masood, following complaints from patients about a lack of medicines, poor treatment, and unsanitary conditions at the major healthcare facility.

Maryam Nawaz orders removal of Mayo Hospital’s MS after patient complaints. CM …

Maryam Nawaz orders removal of Mayo Hospital’s MS after patient complaints. CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz made a surprise visit to Lahore's Mayo Hospital,...

The incident today was linked to the injectable version of Ceftriaxone, a cephalosporin antibiotic, according to hospital management. Following the incident, hospital authorities halted the use of the drug and formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

Three of the affected patients have been placed on ventilators, hospital officials said.

Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital confirmed that a 26-year-old patient, Daulat Khan, who was admitted for surgery, also lost his life last night due to the reaction.

Earlier, a 31-year-old female patient, Perveen Bibi also lost her life at Mayo Hospital due to suspected injection reaction.

It appears to be human error. Similar incidents have occurred in the past as well,” Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, while speaking to the media, said.

He said that the staff mistakenly mixed the injection with the wrong diluent. “The injection has been sent for drug testing. The investigation is ongoing, and the facts will be revealed by tomorrow,” he added.

The chief minister also took notice of the incident, expressing sorrow over the deaths and calling the situation deeply concerning.

She has ordered the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare to submit a report and directed authorities to take strict action against those found negligent.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the reaction, and the investigation is ongoing.