| The World Health Organization (WHO) stated there is a screening gap for the Indian domestic market, specifically regarding testing of cough and cold medicines, following a discovery of serious lapses in quality control at Indian drug factories. The U.N. health agency urged caution as it was possible some exports had taken place unofficially, and the source of the contamination had not yet been found. The World Health Organization told Reuters it had received confirmation from India on Wednesday that three contaminated syrups had been identified, and none had been exported. Although, Coldrif, made by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, was only sold locally, according to a government document seen by Reuters. Gujarat officials said the other two syrups were sold in other Indian states but did not refer to exports. By law, Indian drugmakers must test each batch of raw materials and the final product. Exports of cough syrups have required another layer of tests at government-mandated laboratories since 2023 following the deaths of over 140 children in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon linked to Indian syrups. The WHO released an advisory against using cough and cold medicines for children, citing the quality control issues in India. |
Screening Gap for Indian Domestic Market, says WHO
