The World Health Organization stated on Wednesday that cough and cold medications manufactured in India by Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals may have caused to the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia, a country in West Africa.
WHO has issued a global alert over four cough syrups made by an Indian pharma company, for alleged death of 66 children in The Gambia. Who are responsible for quality checks of Indian pharma
exports?
WHO stated that laboratory investigation has revealed "unacceptable" amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants in four paediatric syrups prepared in India. These contaminants are hazardous and can cause acute acute kidney injury.
WHO claims that up until they can be examined by the appropriate national regulatory agencies, all batches of these items should be regarded as unsafe.
The WHO stated in the notice asking regulators to remove these syrups from the market that the goods may have been sold overseas through informal marketplaces, but had so far only been found in The Gambia.
The 32-year-old Maiden Pharma, which operates two factories in Haryana, said that it is not currently selling any products in India.
According to reports, India is waiting for additional evidence from the WHO because the UN health organisation has not yet specified the precise "one-to-one clear relationship of deaths."
The WHO’s Medical Product Alerts are designed to warn member states and public of the existence of dangerous medical products and encourage increased vigilance and appropriate regulatory action.