Health MEC recalls antibiotics batch following death of 2 toddlers in Maake
Two toddlers admitted to the Dr CN Phatudi Hospital died after receiving three and four doses of Rocephin, respectively.
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has instructed the Head of Pharmaceutical Services in the province to immediately recall a batch of Rocephin, an antibiotic used in the treatment of several bacterial infections. Batch number 8f0040A30 was recalled as a precautionary measure pending investigations.
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This follows the death of two toddlers after they developed complications and died immediately after they were administered with a dose of the medication at Dr CN Phatudi Hospital in Maake, on Saturday afternoon, 10 August.
In a statement, Spokesperson for the department, Neil Shikwambana explained that both children received three and four dosages of Rocephin respectively. “Both children were in a stable condition prior to the administration of the dosage with the mentioned batch number,” he said.
The MEC has already dispatched a team of forensic pathologists, pharmacists and paediatricians to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of the two toddlers.
“Relevant instruments such as needles, vials and syringes have been secured and tests are underway. Results are expected soon,” Shikwambana concluded.
