Punjab govt reauthorizes Avastin eye injections

LAHORE: The Punjab government has reinstated the use of Avastin eye injections, previously restricted, to preserve the sight of diabetic patients. 
This development follows an incident in September 2023, when patients in Punjab experienced adverse effects from Avastin injections.
An official notification outlines new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use of injection, including a mandate to record video documentation of each shot.
The new SOPs prohibit the sale of Avastin injections between hospitals or cities, and forbid the practice of filling syringes outside the hospital premises. 
Only registered and licensed pharmacies are authorized to sell Avastin, and authorized distributors may supply the injection to government hospitals and licensed ophthalmologists. Additionally, doctors must have three years of post-graduation experience to administer the injection, which cannot be reused once opened.