Gambia kids' deaths: Indian state Haryana shuts Maiden Pharmaceuticals' cough syrups production

The government of the north Indian state of Haryana has decided to shut production of cough syrups by Median Pharmaceuticals after a joint inspection by officials from the national and state drug departments found a dozen of flaws in the drug.

The pharmaceutical came under the scanner in recent weeks after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the syrups allegedly led to death of 66 children in the western African country of The Gambia where they were exported.

Mariama Kuyateh, 30, holds up a picture of her late son Musawho died from acute kidney failure, in Banjul on October 10, 2022. Gambian police on October 8, 2022, announced an investigation into four cough syrups made by the Indian pharma company Maiden Pharmaceuticals, after the WHO said they could be responsible for the deaths of 66 Gambian children, most under five-years-old. (Photo by MILAN BERCKMANS/AFP via Getty Images)

"After the Central and Haryana State drug departments conducted a joint inspection, around 12 flaws were found, keeping which in mind, it's been decided that the total production shall be stopped; notice given," Haryana home minister Anil Vij, who had warned of consequences if the investigation launched after the Gambian tragedy found anything, was quoted as saying by Asian News International.

"Samples of three drugs mentioned by WHO of Sonipat's pharmaceuticals company were sent to Central drug lab in Kolkata. The reports are not in yet, action will be taken after that," he added.

It was also reported recently that Maiden has a history of flouting norms and a number of Indian states had pointed it out before.

The WHO issued a medical product alert for four cough syrups, made in Sonepat in Haryana, a few days ago, claiming they have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and deaths of the ill-fated children in Africa.

According to the world health body, laboratory analysis of samples of each of the four products confirmed that they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.