Temporary ban on Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate, total ban on Lindane

Atapattu BANDARA

The Health Ministry yesterday deployed a special medical team to probe the death of a woman after being administered a birth control injection at the Rambukwila Health Centre.

The ministry also took action to temporarily ban Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate.

The Family Planning Bureau had earlier informed the Drugs Regulatory Authority about the woman's death.

Drugs Regulatory Authority director Dr Hemanth Beneragama has instructed to submit a report on the death of the woman after consulting her relatives and the medical centre where the patient underwent treatment.

The Regional Health Service director and the Inquirer into Sudden Deaths will also be questioned regarding the incident.

Dr Beneragama said Depo Medroxy Progesterrone Acetate will be temporarily banned until the final report is issued.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has also banned the use of Lindane which is used to treat head lice and scabies.

Dr Beneragama issued a directive to ban this drug with immediate effect after it was found that long term exposure to Lindane could result in serious medical problems such as brain damage and cancer.