20 children died after consuming Indian cough syrup — WHO discloses the truth

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The World Health Organization (WHO) has now made a significant revelation regarding the deaths of 20 children in India due to toxic cough syrup. According to the WHO, the primary cause of this deadly tragedy is "serious lapses in mandatory testing" of the drugs by Indian pharmaceutical companies. The organization warned that while these syrups were sold only in India, there remains a risk of them reaching foreign countries unofficially.

The entire matter came to light when the deadly chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) was found in Coldrif cough syrup at levels nearly 500 times higher than the recommended limit. Subsequently, two other syrups—Respifresh and Relief—were also found to contain the same toxic chemical. The WHO has clarified that this chemical can cause kidney failure and neurological problems, potentially leading to death.

The WHO report stated that Indian law mandates testing of every batch of drugs, but recent factory inspections revealed serious deficiencies. This incident is a serious stain on the reputation of India, the world's third-largest pharmaceutical manufacturer. India supplies 40% of the generic drugs used in the United States and 90% of the pharmaceutical needs of many African countries, raising global concern.

In this case, the factory of Shreesan Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures "ColdRef," has been shut down, and police are investigating culpable homicide. Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals, which manufacture "Relief" and "Respifresh," have also been ordered to stop production and sales.

Following this fatal negligence, both the WHO and the Indian Ministry of Health have issued a strict advisory to parents, urging them to avoid using any cough and cold medicines for their children.