Shalaka Kachare, Pune
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Monday regarding another cough syrup made in India. This time an objection was raised regarding Indian syrup from Iraq. This is the fifth time in the last 10 months that Indian-made medicines can be banned.
The WHO said in its statement, a third party in Iraq has informed them about ‘Cold Out’ cough syrup. This cold-out syrup (Paracetamol and Chlorpheniramine Maleate) is of poor quality and hazardous to health. The manufacturer of this syrup is Fourrts (India) Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. of Tamil Nadu. Its production unit is in Maharashtra and is named Dabilife Pharma Private Limited. This syrup is used for the relief of cold symptoms and allergies.
Why cough syrup can be banned
WHO has said that lab analysis was done by ordering ‘Cold Out’ cough syrup from a place in Iraq. The amount of diethylene glycol was found to be high in the sample, which is very injurious to health. In this case, its quantity was 0.25 percent. At the same time, ethylene glycol was also found at 2.1 percent. Both of these are well above the glycol limit. It cannot be used for more than 0.10 percent. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic and can cause death if ingested in large amounts.
Before this, another issue was raised against India’s cough syrup from Gambia and Uzbekistan, and it was said that more than 70 children died due to this. After this, a similar case came to light in Cameroon. In America, many children complained of eye infections due to eye drops made in India. Now WHO has said that whatever type of cough syrup is found in Iraq is substandard and dangerous to health. It is especially dangerous for children and can also cause death.
According to the WHO, side effects of this syrup can be seen, which include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, retention of urine, headache, and kidney injury. Syrup can also cause death in humans. Regarding this cough medicine, WHO has released a thorough advisory. It says to cease using the product right away if you do. You should visit a doctor right away if you know someone who is using it and experiencing negative effects. The announcement further mentions that only one batch of this medication is the subject of this notice.