Syrups made by two Indian corporations have been linked to the deaths of 70 youngsters within the Gambia and 19 youngsters in Uzbekistan final yr.
India will conduct obligatory checks on cough syrups earlier than they’re exported, a authorities discover says, after Indian-made cough syrups have been linked to the deaths of dozens of kids within the Gambia and Uzbekistan.
Any cough syrup should have a certificates of study issued by a authorities laboratory earlier than it may be exported from June 1, in response to a authorities discover on Monday, circulated by the well being ministry on Tuesday.
India’s $41 billion pharmaceutical trade is likely one of the largest on this planet, however its popularity has been shaken after the World Well being Group (WHO) discovered toxins in cough syrups made by three Indian corporations.
Syrups made by two of those corporations have been linked to the deaths of 70 youngsters within the Gambia and 19 youngsters in Uzbekistan final yr.
“Cough syrup is allowed to be exported, topic to verification of the export pattern and presentation of a certificates of study,” the Ministry of Commerce stated in a discover.
The Ministry of Well being didn’t instantly reply to the query of whether or not testing of cough syrups bought on the home market could be required.
The discover identifies seven federal authorities laboratories the place samples could also be despatched for testing, along with different state laboratories licensed by the nationwide accreditation physique.
Indian checks of cough syrups made by Maiden Prescription drugs Ltd linked to deaths of kids within the Gambia discovered no toxins, however contaminants had been present in a number of preparations made by Marion Biotech, whose syrups have been linked to deaths of kids in Uzbekistan.
Final week, Reuters reported that India is contemplating altering its coverage in direction of the pharmaceutical trade, together with stepping up testing of cough syrups in addition to drug uncooked supplies. The businesses deny any wrongdoing.
The Minister of Well being and federal and state regulators additionally brainstormed within the southern metropolis of Hyderabad earlier this yr “to discover a resolution to the export of cough syrups that kill youngsters,” in response to a Could 15 Prime Minister’s workplace doc.
