India introduces new policy requiring all cough syrups undergo testing

India has implemented a new policy requiring all cough syrups exported from the country to undergo testing before being shipped out. This decision comes in response to a number of Indian-made cough syrups that were linked to child fatalities in Uzbekistan and Gambia, media reports.

As of June 1, any cough syrup exports must have a certificate of analysis issued by a government laboratory. Although India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world, its reputation has been tarnished due to the discovery of toxins in cough syrups made by three Indian companies, two of which were connected to the deaths of numerous children. Whether the same testing requirements will be implemented for cough syrups sold within India remains unclear.

There have been concerns about the safety of medicines made in India lately. Despite being the largest exporter of generic drugs, many Indian companies have been criticized for the quality of their drugs and their manufacturing practices. The WHO issued a warning in October after four cough syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals allegedly caused the death of 66 children in Gambia from kidney damage. However, both the Indian government and Maiden Pharmaceuticals have denied these allegations. Similarly, in March, a firm linked to the deaths of children in Uzbekistan had its production license revoked.

The use of Dok-1 Max syrup has resulted in dire consequences in various countries. In Uzbekistan, more than 20 children lost their lives after ingesting the syrup, leading to a criminal investigation and temporary suspension of all drugs produced by the responsible company. The head of the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Network was also fired. The World Health Organization and the Indian government took action, with the latter suspending the license of the company responsible for producing the syrup. Reports of similar deaths related to syrup consumption have also surfaced in Indonesia and Gambia, raising global concern about the safety of such products.