After WHO alert on its cough syrups, Haryana firm asked to halt production, faces licence cancellation

New Delhi:The Haryana government has decided to stop the production of cough syrups by Maiden Pharmaceuticals after a joint inspection by Central and state drug departments revealed 12 flaws in the drug. This comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the cough syrups allegedly led to the death of 66 children in Gambia.

“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 was quoted as saying by ANI.

“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.

The WHO issued a medical product alert for four cough syrups, manufactured in Haryana’s Sonepat, a few days ago, claiming they have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children in the Gambia.

According to WHO, laboratory analysis of samples of each of the four products confirms that they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.