India seeks details of Uzbekistan's investigation into cough syrup deaths case

Written by Ruchika Sharma Published On 2022-12-30T13:15:03+05:30 | Updated On 31 Dec 2022 10:02 AM IST

India seeks details of Uzbekistans investigation into cough syrup deaths case

New Delhi: India is in touch with the Uzbak authorities and has sought details of their investigation into the death of 18 children after allegedly consuming cough syrup made by an Indian firm, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said consular assistance is being provided to some linked to the company who are facing legal action there.

Noting that the Uzbek authorities have not formally taken up the matter with New Delhi, he said, "nevertheless, our embassy has contacted the Uzbek side and is seeking further details of their investigation. We understand that legal action has been initiated by the Uzbek authorities against some people, including the local representative of the company there".

"And in that context, we are extending necessary consular assistance to those individuals or individuals," he said.

The comments came even as a probe has already been launched by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation in connection with the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan allegedly linked to the cough syrup, while the manufacturing of Marion Biotech's Dok-1 Max has also been suspended.

"There is no problem from our end and no issue in testing. We have been theree for the past ten years. Once the government report will come, we will look into it. For now the manufacturing has stopped," Hasan Harris, legal representative of Marion Biotech told PTI.

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also said further action would be taken based on the inspection of the pharma company.

Marion Biotech, does not sell cough syrup, 'Doc-1 Max', in India, and its only export has been to Uzbekistan.

cough syrupMarion BiotechDok-1 MaxMansukh Mandaviya

Source : with inputs

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751