Now, Death Of 18 Children In Uzbekistan Linked To India-Made Cough Syrup
Following controversy over Gambia deaths, Uzbekistan’s health ministry has now linked the deaths of at least 18 children to the consumption of cough syrup manufactured in India.
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The ministry on Wednesday alleged that the deaths reported from Samarkand were caused due to syrup, Doc-1 Max, prepared by Noida-based Marion Biotech.
According to a statement by the ministry, the laboratory tests of a batch of syrups found the presence of ethylene glycol, a toxic substance.
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Doses above permissible limit
It further stated that the syrup was given to children at home without a doctor’s prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of pharmacists, with doses that exceeded the standard dose for children.
As per ministry findings, before being hospitalised, the children took this syrup at home for 2-7 days, in doses of 2.5 to 5 ml three to four times a day, which exceeds the standard quantity.
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The parents used the syrup as an anti-cold remedy.
The statement further revealed that after 18 deaths were reported, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups were withdrawn from all pharmacies in the central Asian country.
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It added that seven employees were sacked over failure to analyse the situation in time and take steps.
India set to investigate claims
It is learnt that a joint inquiry will be conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO – north zone) teams and Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority.
Meanwhile, a casualty assessment report has also been sought from Uzbekistan.
Children deaths in Gambia
This is the second time in a year that India-manufactured cough syrups have come under the scanner. Earlier this year, the deaths of 66 children in Gambia were linked to cough syrups manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals.
CDSCO shut the company’s manufacturing in Sonepat in October for violation of manufacturing standards. However, the Gambian government denied any link between child deaths and the Indian cough syrups.
Also, the Centre had recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the control samples of four cough syrups that allegedly led to the deaths in the African country were found to be of standard quality.
Earlier, the WHO claimed that laboratory analysis of Maiden cough syrup confirmed “unacceptable” amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol – known to cause acute kidney injury.
Reuters
Responding to WHO, Drugs Controller General, VG Somani, had said that tests on samples of Maiden’s products at government laboratories had “been found to be complying with specifications” and no toxic substance was detected in them.
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