Four Indian medicines responsible for 70 child deaths in Gambia
By Philip Andrew Churm with AFP
Last updated: 22/07 - 14:56
GAMBIA
Four types of medicine, made in India, caused the deaths of at least 70 children in Gambia last year, according to a presidential commission of inquiry.
According to the World Health Organisation the syrups contained "unacceptable" quantities of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol; commonly used as antifreeze. The chemicals can be fatal and led to acute kidney failure in dozens of children.
In October 2022, Gambia recalled a number of medicines following the deaths of the children, including all cough and cold syrups in circulation, as well as all products manufactured by the Indian firm Maiden Pharmaceuticals, where the contaminated syrups came from.
The inquiry concluded that the medicines had not been registered with the medicines control agency prior to being imported, as required by the regulations.
The commissions also noted the urgent need to set up a quality control laboratory to carry out tests on all medicines imported into the country.
...
https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/2...ths-in-gambia/
By Philip Andrew Churm with AFP
Last updated: 22/07 - 14:56
GAMBIA
Four types of medicine, made in India, caused the deaths of at least 70 children in Gambia last year, according to a presidential commission of inquiry.
According to the World Health Organisation the syrups contained "unacceptable" quantities of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol; commonly used as antifreeze. The chemicals can be fatal and led to acute kidney failure in dozens of children.
In October 2022, Gambia recalled a number of medicines following the deaths of the children, including all cough and cold syrups in circulation, as well as all products manufactured by the Indian firm Maiden Pharmaceuticals, where the contaminated syrups came from.
The inquiry concluded that the medicines had not been registered with the medicines control agency prior to being imported, as required by the regulations.
The commissions also noted the urgent need to set up a quality control laboratory to carry out tests on all medicines imported into the country.
...
https://www.africanews.com/2023/07/2...ths-in-gambia/
Comment