Danger drug hunt

The Herald, 22 May, 1981

POLICE last night were still looking for a few of the 33 diabetics mistakenly issued with oversized syringes at Harare hospital on Wednesday, but the rest have all been brought in through media appeals and search parties using ambulances.

Any diabetic taking a double dose by filling the syringe could have died, the Medical Superintendent of Harare, Dr Office Chidede, said last night.

The mistake was only seen at the end of the clinic after most of the diabetics had gone home.

By 8pm on Wednesday seven diabetics had returned to the hospital in response to radio appeals. Dr Chidede then sent out ambulances to the patients’ homes seeking the rest.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

Drugs are designed to help us fight, contain, alleviate pain and in some instances to overcome diseases. However, in order for them to be effective, they have to be taken in the right quantities in the prescribed way. Drugs are administered in dose frequency, called dosage regimen. Designing the correct dosage regimen is important for achieving the desired therapeutic efficacy and avoiding undesired effects.

When dealing with issues such as drugs it is important to be diligent and meticulous because a small mistake can result in death. In the story, the hospital had to issue a public notice and dispatch ambulances to collect diabetic patients who had been issued with oversized syringes, which had the net effect of increasing their doses, which could potentially kill them.

A stitch in time saves nine. It is always good to act fast and decisively when a mistake has been detected to avoid problems.