Global Upfront Newspapers
AfricaCoverHealthLifeNews

Gambia Police Says U.S. Firm Imported Indian-made Cough Syrups Linked To 69 Child Deaths

The deaths of 69 children from acute kidney injury in Gambia are linked to four cough syrups made in India and imported into the west African country via a US-based pharmaceutical company, Gambian police said in a preliminary investigation report on Tuesday.

World Health Organization (WHO) investigators had already found “unacceptable” levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can be toxic, in four products made by New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The police report did not name Maiden directly but listed the company’s same four products that were mentioned by the WHO: Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

Atlanta-based Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd, which has permission to export medicines into Gambia, ordered a combined total of 50,000 bottles of those syrups, according to the police report.

“It is established that from the aforesaid sum of 50,000 bottles of contaminated baby syrups, 41,462 bottles have been quarantined/seized … and 8,538 bottles remained unaccounted for,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Atlantic Pharmaceuticals could not be reached for comment.

Maiden told Reuters last week that it was trying to find out details.

Gambian authorities launched a probe in September after doctors in July noticed that a number of children developed symptoms of kidney failure after taking a locally sold paracetamol syrup used to treat fevers.

Kidney injuries have caused 69 child deaths, according to the government, which has suspended sales of all brands of paracetamol cough syrup and recalled it from pharmacies and households.

The contaminated Maiden Pharma syrups have so far only been distributed in Gambia, although they may have arrived elsewhere through informal markets.

“We are all victims of the malpractice from manufacturers. As a country, we don’t have all the resources and the personnel. We don’t have a drug-testing laboratory,” Health Minister Ahmad Lamin Samateh said last week.

International partners will help the country tighten medicine monitoring systems and import regulations, he added, noting that the government was taking action against manufacturers in India.

Reuters

Advertize With Us

See Also

3 charged with 2nd-degree murder in shooting death of 15-year-old Jeremiah Ranger

Global Upfront

Who Will Lead The North? (2)

Global Upfront

Nimbo Uzo-Uwani: Peter Obi Laments “Another Senseless Killing Of Harmless And Defenceless Villagers” In Enugu State

Global Upfront

UK commits £12.6 million to combat Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism in Lake Chad Basin region

Global Upfront

FHA Disowns Tonto Dikeh’s Ex-Lover, Kpokpogiri As FCDA Explains Demolition Of His Abuja N700 Million Mansion

Global Upfront

Opaque Allocations: How NASS Allocated N6.6trrillion for ‘Unknown Projects’ of 20 Ministries in 2024 Budget

Global Upfront

Nigerian Navy Orders Release Of Arrested Crude-laden Vessel MT Praisel

Global Upfront

Sweden To Pay Immigrants $34,000 For Voluntary Return To Home Country

Global Upfront

Weight Loss: Follow the 80/20 Rule to lose weight in a sustainable manner

Global Upfront

Nigerian Army Trends On Twitter As Sokoto Burns Over Protests Against Arrest Of Muslim Fundamentalists Who Lynched, Burned Deborah Samuel Over Alleged Blasphemy

Global Upfront

This website uses Cookies to improve User experience. We assume this is OK...If not, please opt-out! Accept Read More