Tamil Nadu has taken decisive action against a pharmaceutical company linked to tragic child fatalities. The state government cancelled all manufacturing licences for Sresan Pharmaceuticals. This move follows the deaths of at least 19 children in Madhya Pradesh who consumed their cough syrup.
Laboratory tests revealed shocking contamination levels. The syrup contained nearly 500 times the permissible limit of diethylene glycol. This toxic chemical proved fatal for the young victims.
India’s pharmaceutical industry faces renewed scrutiny. Although the medicine was only sold domestically, it highlights serious quality control issues. The incident echoes previous international concerns about Indian drug safety.
Previous export incidents had already raised alarms. In 2023, Indian pharmaceutical exports were linked to 10 child deaths across Cameroon, Gambia and Uzbekistan. These repeated incidents damage the industry’s global reputation.
Financial investigators have launched parallel actions. The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at seven premises connected to the company in Chennai. These raids target potential money laundering activities.
The investigation reaches into regulatory circles. Some searches include homes of top officials from Tamil Nadu’s drug control office. This suggests possible regulatory complicity in the tragedy.
Company owner G. Ranganathan remains unavailable. Arrested last week, he hasn’t responded to telephone calls. The Enforcement Directorate also declined comment when approached by Reuters.
India’s pharmaceutical significance cannot be overstated. The nation supplies 40% of generic medicines used in the United States. Across many African nations, Indian manufacturers provide over 90% of all medicines.
Existing regulations appear comprehensive on paper. Indian law requires drugmakers to test every batch of raw materials and final products. Since 2023, cough syrup exports must undergo additional government laboratory testing.
International organizations have noted regulatory gaps. Last week, the World Health Organisation highlighted India’s inadequate screening for domestically-sold medicinal syrups. This domestic oversight failure proved deadly.
Authorities are responding to the crisis. Indian regulators have intensified scrutiny of medicinal syrups following the recent deaths. Two additional products have been flagged as dangerous.
More contaminated products have been identified. Authorities warned against consuming Respifresh and RELIFE syrups sold domestically. Laboratory analysis found the same toxic chemical, diethylene glycol.
These dangerous syrups come from different manufacturers. Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals, both based in Gujarat, produced the contaminated products. Company officials haven’t responded to media inquiries.
The tragedy continues to unfold. With multiple companies involved and regulatory failures exposed, India’s pharmaceutical industry faces a critical moment. Public trust requires immediate and thorough reform.