In a recent probe conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on contaminated medicines and syrups associated with over 300 deaths worldwide, seven India-made syrups have been flagged as a cause for concern. The WHO investigation has identified a total of 20 syrups, manufactured by pharmaceutical companies from India and Indonesia, as potentially problematic. These medicines include cough syrups and vitamins produced by various pharmaceutical manufacturers.
According to a spokesperson from the WHO, the flagged syrups were identified during the investigation into contaminated medicines and syrups, which have been linked to fatalities across multiple countries. Uzbekistan, Gambia, and Nigeria are among the nations that have recently reported deaths associated with India-made medicines.
The WHO has previously issued medical product alerts regarding India-made cough syrups that were implicated in deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan. In response to the situation, India’s drug controller swiftly initiated an investigation into the manufacturers involved. Operations of pharmaceutical companies such as Marion Biotech in Noida, Maiden Pharmaceuticals in Haryana, Global pharma in Chennai, and QP Pharmachem in Punjab have been halted pending further investigation.
Sources at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices in India, have stated that the Ministry of Health has implemented a new mechanism to ensure all medicines undergo quality control testing before export. This measure aims to ensure that corrective actions can be taken if any quality issues are detected.
The identification of India-made syrups among the products flagged by the WHO highlights the need for stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry. The health and safety of consumers are of paramount importance, and it is crucial for regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical manufacturers to work together to ensure the production and distribution of safe and effective medicines.
The ongoing investigation by the WHO serves as a reminder of the global impact and consequences associated with contaminated medicines. It emphasizes the necessity for international cooperation and comprehensive quality assurance processes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Please note that the information provided in this article is based on reports from NDTV.
