14,000 Vials of Bupivacaine Recalled Across Rajasthan Following Hospital Incident

A batch of Bupivacaine hydrochloride injection, widely used for spinal blocks in surgeries, has been pulled from circulation in Rajasthan after a Hyderabad hospital reported critical adverse reactions among sixteen patients. The batch number BKP 02601, manufactured by Themis Medicare Limited, was distributed to multiple districts, with roughly 14,000 vials sent to facilities in Jaipur, Hanumangarh, Bharatpur, Karauli, Kota, Shri Ganganagar and Tonk. The state drug authority, led by Dr. Ajay Phatak, ordered an immediate halt on sales and usage, secured 7,000 vials in its Jaipur depot, stopped another 1,500 vials from being sold, and collected 1,500 samples for quality testing. A recall drive is underway to retrieve 2,000 vials from health institutions and distributors. The move aligns with an advisory from the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists and the Anaesthesia Patient Safety Association, urging all practitioners to discontinue the drug until thorough investigations are concluded.