Investigation Reveals Unlicensed Drug in Casablanca Hospital Blindness Cases

According to the initial investigation results, Bevacizumab did not have a license for the treatment of retinal diseases in diabetics and did not have a valid marketing authorization issued by the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP) under the Ministry of Health, reports the Arabic-language daily Assabah. This is why it is excluded by insurance companies and health establishments from the list of reimbursable drugs if the prescription is made by an ophthalmologist. Only the competent service is authorized to issue an authorization, after examining the scientific studies and research carried out on this drug.

In a letter addressed to the supervisory ministry, ophthalmologists asked if they could continue to prescribe Bevacizumab for patients with diabetes, this drug being 40 times cheaper than the one authorized for the treatment of retinal diseases. They also called on the Minister of Health to accelerate the authorization for the marketing of Bevacizumab. If its authorization were to become effective, patients would be able to benefit from health insurance.

To recall, at least 16 people lost their sight after receiving Bevacizumab injections at the August 20, 1953 hospital in Casablanca. About fifteen of these victims had filed a complaint. Some of them have already stated their intention to take legal action against the hospital.