Gambia Implements Stricter Measures on Indian Medicines in Response to Cough Syrup-Related Death, Reuters reports.
Effective July 1, Gambia will implement strict regulations to guarantee the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products imported from India. This decision was made in response to a heartbreaking event where several children lost their lives after consuming cough syrup that was traced back to India.
Under the new regulations, all pharmaceutical shipments from India will be subjected to mandatory inspections and rigorous testing before being allowed into the country. This stringent process aims to identify and prevent the entry of substandard or counterfeit medicines that pose a significant risk to public health. By implementing these measures, the Gambian authorities seek to restore trust in the pharmaceutical industry and protect the lives of their people.
To ensure the effective implementation of these regulations, the Gambian government has partnered with Quntrol Laboratories, an independent testing and verification company based in Mumbai. Quntrol Laboratories will conduct thorough inspections, examine documentation, and select samples for laboratory analysis. Their expertise and strict adherence to quality control standards will play a crucial role in certifying the safety and authenticity of pharmaceutical products from India.
The urgency of this matter is underscored by the devastating consequences experienced in Gambia last year, where a significant number of children, primarily under the age of 5, lost their lives due to severe kidney damage linked to counterfeit cough syrups manufactured in India. This tragic incident prompted global health organizations, including the World Health Organization, to raise concerns over the presence of lethal toxins such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in Indian cough syrups. These substances, typically found in automotive brake fluids and other non-consumable products, are illegally used as cheaper alternatives to propylene glycol, a key ingredient in cough syrups.
By enacting these stringent regulations and collaborating with international partners, the Gambian government aims to prevent further tragedies and protect its population from the harmful effects of substandard and falsified medicines. It is a significant step towards ensuring the availability of safe and effective pharmaceuticals, restoring confidence in the healthcare system, and safeguarding the well-being of the Gambian people.
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