New delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Monday concerning three contaminated cough syrups produced in India. Health authorities worldwide are advised to notify WHO immediately if these products are detected in their country.
According to Anadolu Agency, the WHO identified the contaminated cough syrups as specific batches of Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceutical, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma. This alert follows the arrest of a doctor in Madhya Pradesh, India, in connection with the deaths of at least 20 children, suspected to be linked to the contaminated syrups.
On October 8, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) informed WHO of the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in at least three oral liquid medicines. The contaminated products were reportedly consumed by the affected children, as stated by the health agency.
CDSCO has confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at the implicated manufacturing sites and have suspended product authorizations. These contaminated products pose significant risks to patients and can cause severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal, the WHO warned. The recent deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh were primarily due to the consumption of cough syrups containing this hazardous substance.
Following public outrage, the Madhya Pradesh government banned the sale of Coldrif syrup and other products from the same manufacturer. In response, India's Health Ministry issued an advisory urging doctors not to prescribe cough and cold medications to children under the age of two.
The Coldrif syrup, manufactured in Tamil Nadu, was found to be dangerously contaminated with diethylene glycol. Consequently, authorities revoked the license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the syrup's manufacturer, and the firm's owner was arrested, as reported by All India Radio.
This incident is not isolated. Previously, Indian-made cough syrups had been associated with the deaths of dozens of children in foreign countries, prompting further scrutiny and action by authorities.