HC notice to govt on PIL seeking CID probe into drugs 'scam'

The Bombay High Court today sought a response from Maharashtra government and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on a public interest litigation seeking a CID probe into 'a scam' regarding use of antibiotic drugs at civic hospitals.
A division bench, headed by Justice P V Hardas, issued notices to the state home ministry, public health department and the MCGM, seeking replies in four weeks.
On August 18, several patients at a hospital run by MCGM here suffered reactions after two antibiotics were administered to them through injections.
The PIL, filed by former journalist Ketan Tirodkar, says that of the 45 patients who were administered these drugs, 28 suffered severe reactions. One of them, Saira Shaikh, died.

Earlier this month, 18 children at a civic-run hospital in Bhiwandi near Thane suffered similar reactions. Also, in August, patients at an MCGM hospital in Ghatkopar complained of chills and abdominal pain after being injected with the two antibiotics.
MCGM has formed a panel to investigate the issue. However, Tirodkar alleges a drug cartel has developed a nexus with Food and Drug Administration officials and politicians.
He seeks probe by the crime investigation department and registration of a case against the FDA officials, hospital authorities and the drug companies.