At least 18 children dead in Uzbekistan after consuming India-made cough syrup, claims Ministry
The Ministry said it was found that children before being hospitalized, were given syrup at home for 2-7 days.
New Delhi: At least 18 children lost their lives allegedly after taking an India-manufactured cough syrup, claimed Uzbekistan.
After this claim now India is all set to probe it.
In a statement issued by the health ministry of Uzbekistan, said the children who died in the country had consumed cough syrup Doc-1 Max – manufactured by Noida-based Marion Biotech.
The ministry said the laboratory tests of a batch of syrups have found the presence of ethylene glycol, a toxic substance.
According to the reports, these children were given cough syrup at home, and that too without a doctor’s prescription. It is said that the cough syrup was given to the children on the advice of local pharmacists, and it seems the doses exceeded the standard amount for children.
The Ministry said it was found that children before being hospitalized, were given syrup at home for 2-7 days.
The parents of the children had used the syrup as an anti-cold remedy.
The statement further said after the deaths of 18 children, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups have been withdrawn from all pharmacies in the country.
Also, seven employees were dismissed after they failed to analyse the situation and not being able to take necessary measures.
Meanwhile, a joint inquiry will be conducted by the teams of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO – north zone) and Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority, said reports.
This is the second incident this year that India-manufactured cough syrups have come under the scanner.