Centre probing 18 deaths in Uzbekistan consuming India-made cough syrup
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New Delhi: India has started probing the quality standard of a cough syrup manufactured by Noida-based pharmaceuticals after 18 children who consumed it reportedly died in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s health ministry earlier stated that the children had consumed cough syrup Doc-1 Max manufactured by Marion Biotech.
The teams of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO - north zone) and Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority are jointly probing the incident.
The cough syrup has been halted at the Noida unit of the pharmaceutical company until the samples are tested, NDTV reported.
The samples of the drug were sent to Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory in Chandigarh, said Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, adding that the government in touch with Uzbekistan since December 27.
The laboratory tests found the ‘presence of ethylene glycol’ in the syrup, according to the Uzbekistan's health ministry.
Authorities reportedly said that syrup was given without a doctor’s prescription by parents or on the advice of pharmacists, exceeding the standard dose for children.
Before being hospitalised, Children took the syrup in doses of 2.5 ml three to four times a day for 2-7 days as anti-cold remedy.
After the deaths of the children, the drug was taken out from pharmacies and seven employees were ousted as they failed to take steps in time.
Meanwhile, India has sought a casualty assessment report from Uzbekistan.
Hasan Raza, the company's legal head, said the action would be taken as per the test report which the company is waiting.
Earlier this year, India-made cough syrups came under scrutiny after 70 children, who consumed the one manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals, died in Gambia.