India to force drugmakers to upgrade plants after fatal cough syrup crisis
Summary
India is enforcing a year-end deadline for drugmakers to upgrade manufacturing plants to international standards following the deaths of at least 24 children linked to contaminated cough syrup. Non-compliance has led to license revocation and arrests amid public safety concerns.
Key Points
- India has refused to extend the deadline for pharmaceutical companies to upgrade plants to WHO standards following deaths from toxic cough syrup.
- The drugmaker Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer linked to recent child deaths had not upgraded its facilities, prompting government action.
- Sresan’s manufacturing license was revoked, its products banned, and its founder arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
- Smaller pharmaceutical firms warn that the upgrade costs could force closures, but the government prioritizes public health amid fatalities.
