PA probe reveals PIC found to be using expired stents in heart patients 

Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) has been found to be using over-the-counter stents in heart patients, while 22 expired ‘Resolute Onyx’ stents have been used in patients, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
This was revealed in the Punjab Assembly’s ongoing investigation into audit reports of government departments.
According to the report, the shelf life of 9 stents was less than 3 percent of those administered to patients.
Medicines purchased under the local purchase system were also found to have expired or have short shelf lives.
Substandard medicines were provided to patients due to poor administrative controls.
It was reported that the hospital administration did not respond despite receiving a notice in February 2023.
According to the audit report, expired medicines worth Rs26.3 million were given to patients.
In the report, action against those responsible for negligence and the need for reforms in the system were emphasised.
The matter was also reported to the administrative department, but there was no response.
Supervisory controls should be strengthened to avoid such incidents in the future, the audit report recommended.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain