Uzbekistan says 18 children die after consuming India-made syrup; WHO to assist probe

Uzbekistan Health Ministry has said at least 18 children in the country have died after allegedly taking a cough syrup manufactured in India.

The ministry said that the children with acute respiratory disease consumed Doc-1 Max manufactured by Noida-based Marion Biotech.

The medicine is promoted as a remedy for cold and flu symptoms on its website.

The ministry claimed that ethylene glycol, a hazardous chemical, was present in a batch of syrup.

The syrup was brought in from by Quramax Medical LLC, according to the ministry's statement made public on Tuesday.

The syrup and tablets have been withdrawn from all pharmacies in the country. 

Teams of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO - north zone) and Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority will conduct a joint inquiry.

The WHO issued a warning on October 5, linking four syrups to the deaths in Gambia. following this, Maiden Pharma's export licence has been suspended.