LAHORE: Pursuant the approval of the CM and recommendations of a committee of technical experts, Punjab government has notified SOPs regarding the off-label intravitreal usage of injection Bevacizumab (Avastin injection) for hospitals in Punjab.
In a notification issued by Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SHC&MED), all the Tertiary Care/Teaching Hospitals are directed to implement and follow the SOPs in true letter and spirit to ensure the safe dispensing and administration of the said drug in the larger public interest. The new SOPs have been sent to all hospitals in the province. The Avastin injection is originally used for cancer treatment, but it is also administered in small quantities to treat eye ailments as well. It is worth mentioning that Avastin injection was banned in Punjab after its unauthorised usage by certain elements caused contamination and eventually resulted in causing blindness among over 60 eye patients in the province.