Medicine Firm Linked to 18 Cough Syrup Deaths in Uzbekistan ordered to Stop Production

New Delhi: Noida-based firm Marion Biotech which is linked to the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan due to alleged consumption of the health syrup of the firm has been ordered to completely halt drug production at its Noida plant.

Uttar Pradesh Drug Control and the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) are investigating the allegation made by Uzbekistan. After inspection, Uttar Pradesh state drug controller ordered a complete halting of production of all drugs at the unit.

The company will be served a show cause notice as per the observations made during the inspection.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had on Thursday said the Indian government is in touch with Uzbekistan regarding the issue since December 27.

Uzbekistan’s health ministry has claimed that a batch of syrups from Marion Biotech contained “ethylene glycol”, a toxic substance.

It was found that the children, before being hospitalised, took this syrup at home for two to seven days. The children were given 2.5 to 5 ml of the syrup three to four times a day, which exceeds the standard dose, the Uzbekistan ministry said.

This syrup from India was used by the Uzbekistan parents as an over-the-counter anti-cold remedy.

After the deaths of 18 children, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups have been withdrawn from all pharmacies in Uzbekistan.