La Derecha Diario Córdoba: second death and thousands of suspected cases due to contaminated fentanyl
The justice system is investigating 5,000 medical records in Córdoba and other cases in Santa Fe, Formosa, and Bahía Blanca
A second death from contaminated fentanyl has been confirmed at the Vélez Sarsfield Clinic in Córdoba. Another death is under investigation, and between 5,000 and 6,000 medical records are being reviewed. Authorities are seeking to determine the true extent of the tragedy.
Medical director Claudio Pereyra Sueldo reassured patients. He stated that all contaminated batches have been withdrawn and that scheduled surgeries are being performed with safe supplies. He also confirmed that the baby hospitalized for intoxication is recovering favorably.
The child, who was in critical condition, is now with his parents in a general ward. According to doctors, the aftereffects will be less severe than expected. The case caused great concern in April, when it became known that it could be linked to the use of the adulterated substance.
Cases in other provinces
The latest report from the Federal Court of La Plata raised the total number of deaths in the country to 96. Among them, three cases at the Interdistrictal Evita Hospital in Formosa, seven at the Instituto del Diagnóstico in Santa Fe, and nine at the Regional Spanish Hospital in Bahía Blanca.
In Córdoba, the plaintiff clinic indicates that more than 1,700 doses of contaminated fentanyl may have been administered. So far, only four confirmed cases have been reported, and a fifth is under review. The actual number could be higher according to the judicial investigation.
Prosecutor Ernesto Kreplak's team is investigating whether there are unreported deaths. This could considerably increase the number of victims and reinforce the hypothesis of failures in health controls.
Failures in control and drug trafficking
The judiciary is analyzing the role of the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (Anmat) over the past five years. The objective is to determine whether there was negligence in the supervision of laboratories and in the control of the drug's distribution.
A possible diversion of fentanyl to drug trafficking is also under investigation. The hypothesis suggests that part of the adulterated product may have entered the illegal market, causing mass intoxications. This finding would be key to understanding the origin of the crisis.
Health sources confirm that there are currently no contaminated ampoules in circulation. However, the existence of cases that have not yet been detected can't be ruled out. The investigation continues to clarify responsibilities and prevent future tragedies.
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