WHO asks India if deadly cough syrup was exported abroad after 22 child deaths

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sought clarification from Indian authorities on whether the cough syrup linked to the deaths of at least 22 children in the country was exported to other nations, news agency PTI reported. The move comes amid growing concerns over the safety and quality of the cough syrup Coldrif, which has been found to contain toxic substances — Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). The WHO will decide on issuing a Global Medical Products Alert after receiving an official response from Indian authorities. The 22 deaths occurred in Madhya Pradesh after consuming the syrup, with five other children in critical condition due to kidney infections. At least three additional deaths have been reported from different districts in Rajasthan. “The World Health Organisation on Wednesday asked for clarification on whether the cough syrup linked to children’s deaths in India was exported to other countries, as part of the routine process,” sources told PTI. In response, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) directed all state and Union Territory drug controllers to strengthen quality checks on raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products before they are released into the market. In an advisory dated October 7, the DCGI highlighted serious lapses during recent inspections, noting that many manufacturers were not testing each batch of excipients and active ingredients for compliance with prescribed standards before use.

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