The deaths in Uzbekistan follow the deaths of 70 children in The Gambia and over 200 persons in Indonesia that were attributed to cough syrups.
In India-made cough syrup has been connected to the deaths of 18 youngsters.
At least 18 children in Uzbekistan have died after eating Doc-1 Max syrup supplied by Indian pharmaceutical company Marion Biotech, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Health.
In response, the firm has ceased production of its cough syrup.
Hasan Harris, the company’s legal counsel, told Reuter’s partner ANI: “We mourn the loss of life, and the government is launching an investigation. We will act according to the report.”
The syrup included a hazardous ingredient, ethylene glycol, and was given to children in dosages larger than the standard dose, either by their parents, who mistaken it for cold treatment or on the recommendation of pharmacists, according to the Uzbekistan Ministry of Health.
Following an investigation into the situation, the Uzbek ministry terminated seven employees and took “disciplinary action” against some specialists.
The ministry noted that Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups have been removed from all pharmacies.
The Indian medicines regulator stated that it had investigated Marion Biotech’s manufacturing facility and sent samples of cough syrup for testing.
The Uzbekistan incident occurred when the deaths of 70 Gambia children were linked to cough and cold syrups manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of New Delhi.
The World Health Organization reported that the items contained “unacceptably high” levels of two recognized hazardous chemicals.
However, both the Indian government and the pharmaceutical business have refuted the claims.
Additionally, Indonesia has noticed a rise in mortality that may be linked to cough syrup, forcing the government to halt sales of all liquid and syrup medications.
Since August, at least 199 people, most of whom were young children, have died in Indonesia from acute renal damage, prompting families to demand compensation and the government to initiate an investigation.
