China drug watchdog probes injection deaths

China’s top food and drug safety official on Tuesday took personal charge of an investigation into the deaths of six patients after they were given injections from a batch of immunoglobulin, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a sign of high-level concern over the deaths, Shao Mingli, the head of the State Food and Drug Administration, went to Jiangxi province in eastern China to oversee the inquiry.

China has been dogged by public alarm at home and abroad about safety failings in its food, toys, and medicines. Shao told officials to be sure this latest incident was fully investigated.

“Ensure that the public can safely use pharmaceuticals,” the report cited Shao as saying. “Investigate and locate any failings.”

The victims died after being injected with a batch of immunoglobulin produced by Jiangxi Yabo Bio-pharmaceutical Co at a hospital in Nanchang, the province capital.

Authorities have suspended use of human immunoglobulin made by the company, Xinhua reported earlier.

China is trying to crack down on fake or sub-standard food and medicines, after a spate of fatal cases in the last few years. It is hampered by the sheer number of manufacturers and a weak inspection and enforcement system.

BEIJING (Reuters)