The syrup was given to the children at home, without a medical prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of pharmacists, in doses higher than those allowed for those ages
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health announced today that at least 18 children have died after being given a medicated syrup from Indian pharmaceutical company Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd.
According to the ministry, 18 of the 21 children who were given Doc-1 Max syrup because they had acute respiratory problems died. On the company’s website, this syrup is listed as a treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
A batch of the syrup contained the substance ethylene glycol which, according to the ministry, is toxic. The syrup was imported into Uzbekistan by Quramax Medical LLC.
The syrup was given to the children at home, without a medical prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of pharmacists, in doses higher than those allowed for those ages.
It is not yet clear whether all or any of the children consumed syrup from the suspect batch, or whether they received a higher than normal dose, or both.
A government source in India said the country’s health ministry is looking into the matter.
On Tuesday, India began inspections of some pharmaceutical factories across the country to ensure that high standards of drug manufacturing are being followed.
At the beginning of autumn, in Gambia, at least 70 children died after being given syrups from the Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, according to the authorities of the African country. However, the Indian government and the company deny that the pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the deaths.
In Uzbekistan, the health ministry said it fired seven employees for “negligence” after failing to analyze child deaths in time and take appropriate action. He added that some “experts” were disciplined, without specifying what role those “experts” played.
Authorities also recalled Doc-1 Max pills and syrups from all pharmacies.
RES-EMP
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
