Ministry issues directives to prevent anaesthesia-related deaths

Health Ministry has issued directives to prevent anaesthesia-related deaths.

The ministry issued a letter on Wednesday in this regard.

Health ministry mandated the use of isoflurane and sevoflurane over halothane as inhalational anaesthetics in operation theatres.

The ministry also instructed the relevant authorities to assess the overall quantity of halothane or isoflurane or sevoflurane vaporisers in both public and private hospitals nationwide.

The directives also asked the persons concerned to determine the financial resources needed for the replacement of current halothane vaporisers with isoflurane or sevoflurane alternatives.

The letter said appropriate measures must be implemented to prohibit the sale and utilisation of halogenated compounds without the approval of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).

Director general of health department, director general of drug administration and chief technical officer of National Electro-Medical Equipment Maintenance Workshop have been asked to take steps to implement this directive.

The move comes following recent deaths of two children while undergoing circumcision procedures in the capital.