Uzbekistan Children Death Case: Centre Seeks Casualty Status

New Delhi: After Uzbekistan linked the deaths of 18 children to an Indian cough medication on Wednesday, the Union government has sought a casualty status, according to reports.

Months after a similar occurrence was reported in Gambia, the Uzbek health ministry has claimed that 18 children have died in the nation after consuming medications made by an Indian pharmaceutical company.

The Dok-1 Max Syrup, made by Noida-based Marion Biotech, was what the children who died had consumed, according to a statement from the Uzbek health ministry. The government reported that so far, ingesting Doc-1 Max syrup has caused the deaths of 18 out of 21 youngsters who had acute respiratory illnesses.

“It was discovered that the deceased youngsters took this syrup at home for two to seven days, three to four times per day, 2.5 to five millilitres, which exceeds the normal dose of the drug for children,” the statement said.

It was further stated that preliminary laboratory tests had revealed the Dok-1 Max syrup contained ethylene glycol, the toxic substance blamed for deaths in the Gambia.

According to Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) authorities, this specific syrup is currently not being offered for sale in the Indian market.