POISON OR PROPAGANDA AT PLAY?

New Delhi: The MEA on Thursday said that Uzbekistan has claimed that cough syrup made by Noida based Marion Biotech killed 18 children. Indian embassy has contacted the Uzbek authorities for the details. CDSCO has initiated a probe linked to a cough syrup manufactured by an Indian firm. The dept has collected samples for probe. The DCGI had said that India has been committed to rigorous monitoring of drugs and cosmetics.

• Drug regulatory body initiates a high-level probe in connection with the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan on Wednesday
• Indian authorities halts production at a pharmaceutical company under probe for a cough syrup blamed by Uzbekistan
• Inspection of firm’s Noida site was carried out by teams of Uttar Pradesh Drug Control Department & Drug regulatory body (CDSCO)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The chemical Ethylene Glycol was found in a batch of Dok-1 Max syrup during laboratory tests: Uzbek said
• Marion Biotech is manufacturer company and holds license for manufacturing of the ‘Dok-1 Max’ syrup
• Hasan Harris from legal dept of the Marion Biotech, said the govts of both countries are looking into probe
• Amid India probe, DCGI seeks more information regarding the incident from the Uzbekistan regulator
• Syrup which caused of death of 18 children in Uzbekistan was not being sold in India, says Min Mandaviya

We regret deaths. CDSCO has been in touch with Uzbekistan’s national drugs regulator since December 27. Samples of syrup have been sent to the Chandigarh-based Regional Drugs Testing Lab. —Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister

There is no problem from our end and no issue in testing. We have been there for the past ten years. Once the government report will come, we will look into it. For now the manufacturing has stopped. —Hasan Harris, legal cell, Marion Biotech

70 CHILDREN DIED IN GAMBIA IN SEPT
The incident comes days after Gambia alleged that 70 children died in September because of cough syrups manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals following which unit was shut for violation of manufacturing standards.