Madikeri (Karnataka):
Two persons, including a woman, who received a shot of paracetamol at a Public Health Centre (PHC) in Suntikoppa, developed complications and died at the District Government Hospital on Sunday soon after they were admitted.
In Kushal Nagar, a 25-year-old woman collapsed and her body turned blue soon after being administered an intravenous drug for acidity at a government hospital.
Five others who also developed uneasiness on being given paracetamol injection and are being treated at the District Hospital, where their condition was stated to be out of danger.
The drugs and material used to administer injections have been seized and sent to Bangalore for testing, a top official of the Chemists and Druggist Association said.
"Deputy Drug Controller Revanna Siddaiah collected samples of medicines and syringes used during treatment and the report is expected by tomorrow," Association Vice President, Jeevan Kushalappa said.
Meanwhile, JDS MLC M C Nanaiah has alleged irregularities in drug procurement and supply and blamed it for the deaths.
He claimed that a few suppliers using fake names of firms had applied for tenders to supply drugs to the government but delivered sub-standard material.
Nanaiah said the Karnataka Antibiotics Company should be expanded and strengthened to produce quality medicines and drug manufacturers screened to identify fake drug producers.
He also alleged that a syringe recycling racket prevailed in Karnataka, whereby used syringes are supplied to government hospitals.