Families of 20 Gambian children who died after consuming cough syrups made in India have filed a suit against their government for allegedly mishandling drug imports.
Recall that At least 70 children died from acute kidney injury in Gambia last year which the World Health Organization (WHO) linked to medicines made by Indian drugmaker, Maiden Pharmaceuticals.
The syrup was said to have been contaminated
with diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), toxins normally used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents.
India’s government has said its own tests showed the syrups were safe, and Maiden, which did not respond to requests for comment for this story, has denied wrongdoing.
Some Gambian lawyers have suggested that the case shows the risks of importing drugs into countries which – like Gambia – have no means of testing them before consumption.
