Action has been ordered after patients were allegedly given fungus-affected medicines at a government hospital in Vangani in Thane district. Prakash Abitkar, the Health Minister of Maharashtra, informed the state assembly that strict action would be taken against the staff responsible at the Vangani Rural Hospital, including suspension and a departmental inquiry.
The medicines had been purchased using funds from the District Planning Committee. Samples were collected on December 15 and tested in government laboratories.
Although fungal growth was not confirmed during laboratory testing, the Food and Drug Administration declared the medicines substandard because they did not meet required quality standards, including proper dissolution levels. The minister also stated that the laboratory that approved the medicines could be blacklisted and that officials involved in the procurement process would be investigated.
Additionally, authorities are planning to introduce drug-testing machines in government hospitals to ensure medicine quality and prevent similar incidents in the future.