Amid the row over the deaths of 20 children in India due to contaminated cough syrup, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has requested clarification from Indian authorities on whether the cough syrup suspected to be linked to the deaths of children in India was exported to other countries. The development comes amid rising concerns over the safety and quality of the cough syrup Coldrif, which has been found to contain toxic substances, Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG).
WHO warns of export risks
WHO has raised concerns about a “regulatory gap” in the screening of Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol for domestically marketed medicines in India. Moreover, the body has flagged the potential risk of such contaminated products being exported, especially through unregulated channels. WHO is awaiting an official response from Indian authorities before deciding whether to issue Global Medical Products Alert. This is a mechanism that the organisation uses to warn countries about substandard or contaminated medicines. In an official statement, WHO stated that it recognises the gravity of these incidents and stands ready to support national authorities in investigating and responding to the tragic events.
DCGI issues directive
Earlier, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Wednesday directed all state and Union Territory drug controllers to strengthen quality checks on raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products before they are made available in the market.
Owner of pharmaceuticals which made Coldrif detained
Meanwhile, in a latest development in the case, the owner of the pharmaceutical company that manufactured Coldrif cough syrup was detained on Wednesday night in connection with the deaths of 20 children. The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the safety of the syrup, which has been linked to multiple fatalities. The owner, identified as S Ranganathan was detained in Chennai after Madhya Pradesh Police had dispatched a team to Chennai and Kancheepuram to nab him. Ranganathan, is the owner of the Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu, which manufactures Coldrif cough syrup.
Chhindwara SP Ajay Pandey confirmed that Ranganathan was arrested and will be presented before Chennai court (in Tamil Nadu) and brought to Chhindwara (MP) after securing transit remand. Ranganathan’s arrest comes after Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to the owner of Srisan Pharmaceuticals.
