Indian Made Cough Syrups Kill 66 Children in Gambia
Recently, after the death of 66 children in Gambia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning against India-made cough syrup.
The WHO has issued a medical product warning on four cough-cold syrups made by India’s Maiden Pharmaceuticals.
The organization cautioned that cases of severe kidney damage and death in children in The Gambia could be linked to these syrups.
The WHO has reportedly said that it is conducting further investigations with the relevant company and regulatory authorities in India.
Drug regulation in India –
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) sets standards to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics and equipment in India.
- CDSCO is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Functions of CDSCO-
- It regulates the market approval of new drugs;
- It regulates clinical trial standards;
- Inspects drug imports; and grants licenses to drug manufacturers.
- CDSCO and state regulators are jointly responsible for licensing certain categories of critical drugs (such as blood and blood products), vaccines, etc.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCG) is the chairman of CDSCO. DCGI’s office acts as the appellate authority in case of any dispute regarding the quality of the medicine.
Source – The Hindu
