FDA to restrict drug used in hospital robberies
THE FOOD and Drug Administration (FDA) may change the animal sedative Xylazine from its status as a dangerous drug that can be be sold over the counter by pharmacists to being a specially controlled drug for sale only at hospitals and animal clinics.
It had received reports the drug had been used by thieves to spike drinks of people seeking treatment at public hospitals in order to rob them of |valuables. FDA secretary-general Boonchai Somboonsuk said yesterday that the FDA had consulted with related agencies, especially the Livestock Development Department and expert veterinarians about the change of status plan for Xylazine.
Department of Medical Services chief Dr Suphan Srithamma said the meeting of hospital executives under his agency had encouraged hospitals to beef up security for patients and their relatives around the clock. Patients were urged not to drink water or eat food offered by strangers, while hospital staff were to watch out for suspicious individuals and all hospitals had to monitor and check security camera footage for previous crimes.
Meanwhile, Phayathai superintendent Pol Colonel Saman Rodkamnerd said an arrest warrant had been issued for a male suspect accused of robbing visitors at Ramathibodi Hospital by spiking their drinking water with a tasteless sedative. Police suspected the man acted alone and might still be in Bangkok, where he would be less conspicuous than in country areas.
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