Summary
A series of child deaths in India has been linked to contaminated cough syrups containing toxic substances. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals in India and have led to government investigations and actions to improve regulation. The popularity of cough syrups in India persists despite known risks and controversies.
Key Facts
- In a small town in Madhya Pradesh, at least 11 children died after taking a contaminated cough syrup.
- The syrup contained diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent not meant for medicines.
- Two child deaths in Rajasthan were also linked to a locally-made cough syrup unsafe for young children.
- Similar incidents have occurred before, with Indian cough syrups linked to child deaths in The Gambia and Uzbekistan.
- Activists claim India's drug market is fragmented, with weak regulations allowing the sale of unapproved syrups.
- The Indian government has banned the sale of the contaminated syrups and launched investigations.
- The country's cough syrup market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
- Despite risks, cough syrups are widely prescribed and used in India.
