Adulterated syrups case in Gambia: Indian pharmaceutical group allegedly falsified tests
The World Health Organization (WHO) and The Gambia estimate that Indian syrups killed 70 children. An investigation was opened in India to determine their toxicity, and the company is now suspected of having falsified tests.
A photograph shows cough syrup collected in Banjul on October 6, 2022. AFP - MILAN BERCKMANS
By: RFI Follow
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It's the latest twist in an international scandal that began in October 2022. 70 children die in The Gambia after ingesting cough syrup made by an Indian industrialist. The analysis revealed that the syrup contained toxins. The Gambian authorities launched a lawsuit and the WHO issued an alert about these syrups.
The Indian manufacturer, Maiden Pharmaceuticals, denies any responsibility and claims that the contamination of the syrups took place after they were manufactured. As a gesture of good faith, the Indian government claims that laboratory tests have shown that the syrups are not toxic.
Samples exchanged
But now a complaint has revived the case. According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigator, a pharmaceutical regulator was bribed to exchange samples tested by the Indian government for 550,000 euros.
So all the conclusions of the tests on toxic substances fall by the wayside. In addition to a possible pharmaceutical scandal. India's Maiden Pharmaceuticals on Saturday denied falsifying test samples or bribing officials to do so.
Read alsoGambia: resumption of the trial of adulterated syrups suspected of having caused the death of dozens of children
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