The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has taken up an urgent investigation after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on four India-made cough and cold syrups used for pediatric groups. On Wednesday, the WHO issued an alert over the cough and cold syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India and notified that the same cough and cold syrups could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia.

An official source stated that an investigation has been already taken up by CDSCO with the state Regulatory Authorities immediately after receiving communication from WHO based on the available information. He added that WHO has been requested to share the reports on the establishment of causal relations to death with the medical products in question, photographs of labels and products, etc., with CDSCO.

According to the official, on September 29, 2022, WHO informed DCGI that they are currently providing technical assistance and advice to the Gambia, where children are suspected to have died after consuming medicines that may have been contaminated with diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol.

Based on the preliminary inquiry, it has been concluded that Maiden Pharmaceutical Limited, Sonipat, Haryana, is a manufacturer licensed by the State Drug Controller. On the other hand, based on the tentative results received from the WHO, out of the 23 samples, four samples contained Diethylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol.