Health Ministry Issues Directive To Enhance Anesthesia Safety In Hospitals

Recent incidents of fatalities during anesthesia application in various hospitals across the country, particularly during circumcision and endoscopic procedures, have raised concerns among relevant authorities. Consequently, the Health Ministry has taken steps to prevent such incidents and address unexpected complications associated with anesthesia usage.

On Wednesday (March 27), a directive signed by the joint secretary of the Ministry, Jasim Uddin Haider, has been issued, instructing the changing of anesthetic drugs. It emphasizes ensuring the quality of drugs used in anesthesia. Titled 'Prevention of Anesthesia-related Accidents and Ensuring the Quality of Anesthesia Drugs,' the directive instructs ensuring the quality of drugs used in anesthesia and also suggests alternatives to halothane. Moreover, it recommends taking necessary precautions to prevent anesthesia misuse and advises taking necessary measures for this purpose.

According to the directive, in all government and private hospitals across the country, isoflurane or sevoflurane should be used instead of halothane in the operating rooms for anesthesia procedures.

Additionally, it is necessary to replace halothane vaporizers with isoflurane, sevoflurane, and vaporizers in all hospitals nationwide. Instructions have been given to estimate the necessary funds for this matter to be provided. 

The Ministry further stated that without the approval of the Drug Administration Department, necessary measures must be taken to prevent the buying, selling, and use of halothane. They have instructed all government health facilities in the country to meet the demand for replacing halothane vaporizers with isoflurane vaporizers and to ensure the inclusion of vaporizers in new anesthesia machines.

Copies of the directive have already been sent to the Director-General of Health Services and the Director-General of the Drug Administration Department.