Medicines that caused death, aren’t available in India: Distributor’s Organization

New Delhi: After the initial inquiry, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) found on Thursday that the four cough syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, suspected of being the cause of death of children in the Gambia, were exported to the West African nation only.

 “The Haryana-based manufacturer is licensed by the State Drug Controller to make the products Promethazine Oral Solution BP, Kofexnalin Baby Cough Syrup, MaKoff Baby Cough Syrup, and MaGrip n Cold Syrup for export only,” the Health Ministry said.

Controlled samples of the same batch manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals have been received and sent for testing to the Regional Drug Testing Lab, Chandigarh by the CDSCO, the Ministry informed. The results will guide the further course of action and bring clarity to the WHO inputs.

As per the results received by WHO, four of the 23 samples tested have been found to contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

The All India Organization of Chemists and Distributers (AIOCD) said none of the four syrups was available for sale in India. The organization also assured the Drug Controller of India that in case these drugs are in the Indian Market; their supply will be halted immediately.