World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health alert cautioning against the use and distribution of three cough syrups linked to the death of several children in India over the past month.
In its statement, WHO identified the affected products as specific batches of Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Indian firms Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals and Shape Pharma.
Laboratory tests revealed that the syrups contained toxic chemicals DEG and EG, known to cause severe illness or death, particularly among children. WHO said the incident adds to a growing list of similar cases in recent years involving Indian-made cough syrups found to contain harmful contaminants.
When contacted, Director General of Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) Dr Bernard Thole said they do not monitor medicines imported into the country as it falls outside their mandate, saying Ministry of Health or the Pharmacy Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) would be best placed to comment.
Commenting on the matter, Secretary for Health Dr. Samson Mndolo said no such contamination has been detected in Malawi so far.
“As of now, DEG and EG contaminants have not been identified in Malawi. Manufacturers of cough syrups for the Malawi market must demonstrate their ability to control these contaminants during inspections and registration processes,” Dr. Mndolo said.
He added that PMRA ensures only syrups from manufacturers meeting WHO standards are approved for importation and sold through registered pharmacies and clinics.
Dr. Mndolo further urged the public to buy medicines only from PMRA-registered outlets to ensure their safety.
By Alufisha Fischer
