The Ministry of Health has directed the quarantine of Gentamycin Sulphate BP injection manufactured by CSPC Ouyi Pharmaceutical Company Limited in China after receiving reports of adverse reactions from the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA).

Reports by ZAMRA indicated that the Gentamed injection batch no.S MD180107 and 180108 led to severe headaches and vomiting in patients from various health facilities across the country following the administration of the product.

And in a letter dated March 1, 2019, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of technical services Dr Kennedy Malama directed all the provincial health directors; senior medical superintendents; medical superintendents and district health directors to quarantine the affected batched until investigations were concluded.

“Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority has received reports of adverse reactions [such as] severe headache and vomiting from various health facilities across the country following the administration of the above stated product. In this regard, the Ministry directs all institutions to quarantine the stated batches with immediate effect, in order to allow the Authority to carry out further investigations. Institutions will be guided on the next steps after the investigations are concluded,” wrote Dr Malama.