Indonesian Families Sue Govt Over Deaths From Cough Syrup, Demand $127,049 For Every Person Killed

Since August till now, 199 people have died due to kidney-related diseases due to cough syrup. Most of those killed include children.

Spoonful of Cough Syrup.

New Delhi: More than one dozen families of victims of cough syrup deaths in Indonesia have filed a case against the government, reported news agency AFP. A case has been filed on behalf of the victims against the Ministry of Health, Food and Drug Agency and 7 pharmaceutical companies. In fact, since August till now, 199 people have died due to kidney-related diseases due to cough syrup. Most of those killed include children. When the matter escalated, the government ordered an inquiry.

This led to an investigation and the suspension of some sales of liquid medications.

The ministry of health, the country's food and drug agency, and seven businesses involved in the sale of syrups containing excessive amounts of two compounds found in industrial products like antifreeze are the targets of the class action lawsuit.

Awan Puryadi, a relative's legal representative, told AFP that they took action because the authorities failed to stop the sale of dangerous medicines, which led to the deaths or injuries of children.

"No one has claimed responsibility. They are very disappointed with the current situation," Puryadi said Thursday about the lawsuit, which was filed on November 18.

"We demand the... drug suppliers, pharmacies, the BPOM (food and drug agency) and the health ministry all take responsibility." 

According to the lawyer, families are seeking approximately 2 billion rupiah ($127,049) in compensation for each person who died and approximately 1 billion rupiah ($63,524) for each person who was injured.

He stated that two of the families listed in the lawsuit were taking legal action on behalf of a total of twelve families and that additional families could join them in the future.

At least three businesses have been the subject of an investigation by the police after their syrup medicine production licenses were temporarily frozen.

In October, there were 70 child deaths in The Gambia in West Africa that were thought to have been caused by imported syrup medicines.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that four cough syrups made in India may have contained "unacceptable amounts" of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which may have contributed to the deaths.