Uzbekistan claims – 18 children died because of Indian cough syrup, India starts investigation

Uzbekistan has claimed that 18 children died after allegedly consuming cough syrup made in India. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health said in a statement that 18 children who died had consumed cough syrup Doc-1 Max. This medicine is made by Noida based Marion Biotech.

India has started investigation after this claim

Also, the ministry said that ethylene glycol was found in a lab test of a batch of syrup, which is a toxic substance.

It has also been said in the statement that the children were given this syrup at home without consulting a doctor. This syrup was given to the children by the parents or on the advice of the pharmacist. Along with this, more than its standard dose has been given for children.

The ministry also said that it has been found that this syrup has been given to children for 2-7 days before being admitted to the hospital. The dosage of the syrup has been given as 2.5 to 5 ml three to four times a day, which is higher than the standard dosage.

It has been said in the statement that after the death of 18 children, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrup have been removed from all pharmacies in the country. Along with this, seven employees have been dismissed as they could not handle the situation in time and failed to take necessary steps. 

India has launched a probe after a Noida-based drug maker claimed to link the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan to the syrup.

Officials said that the Central Drugs Regulatory Team has approached the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Licensing Authority, so that investigation can be started against the pharmaceutical company. It has also been learned that the drug regulatory teams of the Center and the state will conduct a joint enquiry. 

The pharma company said that samples of cough syrup have been taken from the manufacturing unit and we are waiting for the test reports.

It has also been said that the manufacturing and export of syrup has been stopped till the test report comes.

A report sought from Uzbekistan on the claim of death of children

This is the second time in the last one year that an Indian cough syrup has come under scrutiny. Earlier, the death of 70 children in Gambia was linked to cough syrup manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals of Haryana.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization had closed its unit in Sonipat in the month of October for violation of manufacturing standards.