(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Oct 17 (KNN) The Central government has rejected requests from several pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking an extension of the December 2024 deadline to upgrade their facilities to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, following the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy that claimed 24 children's lives in Madhya Pradesh.

According to a Reuters report, the decision was made in October after tests revealed dangerously high levels of toxicity in samples of the Coldrif syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer. The company reportedly failed to implement safety upgrades mandated by the government.

The Centre had earlier ordered all drugmakers to comply with WHO-recommended manufacturing standards, including stricter safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination and mandatory batch testing. Larger companies met the June 2024 deadline, while smaller firms were given until December 2024.

However, some smaller manufacturers sought additional time, citing financial strain and potential bankruptcy due to the high cost of facility upgrades.

Officials informed the industry of the government's decision to deny further extensions during a conference on Thursday. The move follows global scrutiny after Indian-made cough syrups were linked to the deaths of more than 140 children in Africa and Central Asia, damaging India's image as the“pharmacy of the world.”

Earlier this month, a government lab in Bhopal found that Coldrif contained 46.28% diethylene glycol (DEG), an industrial chemical used in brake fluids and antifreeze - far exceeding safe limits.

Following the incident, several states banned the syrup, and the health ministry advised against prescribing cough medicines to children under two years of age.

A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a judicial probe and comprehensive reform of India's drug regulation system.

(KNN Bureau)

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