Uzbekistan claimed that at least 18 children lost their lives in the country after allegedly consuming Indian-made cough syrup.
Uzbekistan’s health ministry said in a statement that the children who lost their life had consumed the cough syrup Doc-1 Max – manufactured by Noida-based Marion Biotech.
India has launched an inquiry into the matter and production of cough syrup at the pharmaceutical company’s Noida unit has been halted until samples are tested.
According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, laboratory testing of a batch of the syrup revealed the “presence of ethylene glycol,” a toxic substance.
It also claimed that the syrup was given to children at home without a doctor’s prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of a pharmacist, exceeding the standard dose for children.
It was found that the children, before being admitted to the hospital, took this syrup at home for 2-7 days in a dose of 2.5 to 5 ml three to four times a day, which exceeded the standard dose, the ministry said.
The syrup was used by parents as an anti-cold remedy.