In view of the deaths of over 300 children linked to cough syrups in three
countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to launch a
probe to find whether these medicines were contaminated from the
manufacturers’ end. According to reports, the WHO found “unacceptable”
level of toxins in these syrups and is seeking more information on the raw
materials used by these six manufacturers in India and Indonesia. More than
300 kids, mainly aged under 5, in Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Gambia died of
acute kidney injury after consuming cough syrups, the WHO said in a
statement.
countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to launch a
probe to find whether these medicines were contaminated from the
manufacturers’ end. According to reports, the WHO found “unacceptable”
level of toxins in these syrups and is seeking more information on the raw
materials used by these six manufacturers in India and Indonesia. More than
300 kids, mainly aged under 5, in Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Gambia died of
acute kidney injury after consuming cough syrups, the WHO said in a
statement.
The cough syrups were found to have had high levels of diethylene glycol
and ethylene glycol. The WHO is probing whether the companies procured them
from the same suppliers. No suppliers have been named. WHO labels four
cough syrups as ‘substandard products. “These contaminants are toxic
chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be.
