India Investigates Toxic Cough Syrups After 17 Child Deaths
Indian authorities are investigating the deaths of 17 children under the age of five, reportedly linked to the consumption of Coldrif, a cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in Tamil Nadu. The syrup was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) at levels nearly 500 times above the permissible limit, leading to acute kidney failure and fatalities.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has conducted inspections across multiple pharmaceutical firms and identified significant lapses in quality control procedures. These inspections revealed that several manufacturers failed to comply with mandatory testing requirements for both raw materials and finished products. Notably, samples from companies such as Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat were found to be "not of standard quality," prompting immediate production halts and public advisories against their use.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested clarification from Indian authorities regarding whether the implicated cough syrup was exported to other countries. The WHO has indicated that it may issue a global alert if the syrup was distributed internationally.
In response to the crisis, the Indian government has intensified inspections, with authorities examining 19 manufacturing units across six states. The operations of Sresan Pharmaceutical have been suspended, and police are investigating the company for manslaughter. Additionally, the CDSCO has recommended the cancellation of Sresan's manufacturing license.
These incidents have raised concerns about the regulatory oversight of India's pharmaceutical industry, which is a significant global supplier of medicines. The government has pledged to strengthen quality control measures to prevent future occurrences and restore confidence in the sector.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has conducted inspections across multiple pharmaceutical firms and identified significant lapses in quality control procedures. These inspections revealed that several manufacturers failed to comply with mandatory testing requirements for both raw materials and finished products. Notably, samples from companies such as Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat were found to be "not of standard quality," prompting immediate production halts and public advisories against their use.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested clarification from Indian authorities regarding whether the implicated cough syrup was exported to other countries. The WHO has indicated that it may issue a global alert if the syrup was distributed internationally.
In response to the crisis, the Indian government has intensified inspections, with authorities examining 19 manufacturing units across six states. The operations of Sresan Pharmaceutical have been suspended, and police are investigating the company for manslaughter. Additionally, the CDSCO has recommended the cancellation of Sresan's manufacturing license.
These incidents have raised concerns about the regulatory oversight of India's pharmaceutical industry, which is a significant global supplier of medicines. The government has pledged to strengthen quality control measures to prevent future occurrences and restore confidence in the sector.