India requests investigation-related details from Uzbekistan regarding deaths attributed to cough syrup.
India is in contact with Uzbek authorities and has requested information regarding their inquiry into the deaths of 18 children who reportedly consumed cough syrup manufactured by an Indian company, according to the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday.
Arindam Bagchi, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, added that consular support is being provided to company-affiliated individuals facing legal action abroad.
Noting that the Uzbek authorities had not formally raised the issue with New Delhi, he stated, “However, our embassy has reached out to the Uzbek side and is requesting additional information on their inquiry… According to our knowledge, the Uzbek authorities have launched legal proceedings against a number of individuals, including the local representative of the company.”
“In this regard, we are providing the required consular assistance to these individuals,” he stated.
The comments were made despite the knowledge that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation had already opened an investigation into the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan reportedly linked to the cough syrup and that Marion Biotech had ceased production of Dok-1 Max.
In addition, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that additional action would be taken following the investigation of the pharmaceutical company.
