Authorities were investigating claims that a state drug regulator substituted samples of an India-made cough syrup linked to child deaths in the Gambia before they could undergo testing.
Indian authorities launched an inquiry after allegations that a local drug regulator switched test samples of a cough syrup linked to child deaths in the Gambia. (Photo: Getty Images)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 22, 2023 11:26 IST
India's investigation into allegations that a state drug regulator accepted bribes to tamper with cough syrup samples potentially linked to children's deaths in the Gambia is nearing its conclusion, news agency Reuters reported Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had associated the cough syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India with the deaths of 70 children in the Gambia last year. However, the Indian government contests this, citing tests conducted at a government laboratory that reportedly showed the syrups were not toxic.
Indian authorities had initiated an inquiry based on allegations that a local pharmaceutical regulator, motivated by a bribe, played a role in switching the samples. These samples were initially linked to child deaths in the Gambia by the WHO. The investigation involves claims that the samples were tampered with before undergoing testing.
Maiden Pharmaceuticals has denied any wrongdoing.
Published By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Dec 22, 2023
English (US) ·