'Wrong To Question Quality Of Indian Medicines For One Incident': Vice Chairman, Standing National Committee On Medicines

He vouched for the quality of Indian medicines and said that the country has a strong regulatory body with zero tolerance towards such incidents.

Cough syrup being poured onto spoon

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After World Health Organisation (WHO) issued alert over four cough syrups made by an Indian firm linked to the death of children in Gambia, Dr YK Gupta, Vice-Chairman, Standing National Committee on Medicines and Health Care Products, said on Saturday that the Indian government is yet receive a "complete causality assessment" in this regard and the "missing links" must be probed.

"The 1st death was reported in July but WHO informed the regulator in India on 29th Sept. Indian govt hasn't received a complete causality assessment. Out of 23 samples tested, 4 were found to contain diethylene glycol/ethylene glycol. The missing links must be probed," said Gupta, as reported by ANI.

He also vouched for the quality of Indian medicines and said that the country has a strong regulatory body with zero tolerance towards such incidents.

"Medicines produced in India now are known for their quality in int'l market, it's wrong to question quality of Indian medicines because of one incident. Our regulatory body is strong & we've zero tolerance for such things," said Gupta, as reported by ANI.

When asked about the possibility of the cough syrup being sold in India, Dr Gupta said, "Public in India must be made aware that licence for this drug was for export only. Cough syrups sold in India don't have this possibility." 

The cough and cold syrups manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, have been blamed for the deaths of more than 60 children from kidney injury in Gambia. The Maiden products for which WHO has issued an alert are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited, is a Haryana based manufacturer licensed by the State Drug Controller for the products, and also holds manufacturing permission. The company has manufactured and exported these products only to The Gambia so far, reported ANI.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has started an investigation in the matter.