Lessons from Maiden: Gambia deaths raise several questions

Pharma regulatory system needs re-examination. It's not just overseas buyers of Indian pharma products who are at potential risk. Counterfeit drugs remain a major threat in the domestic market

The Centre’s decision to set up a four-member committee to investigate allegations against Maiden Pharmaceuticals raises key questions about the regulatory systems that govern India’s pharmaceutical industry. An immediate probe following the death of 66 children in The Gambia after being allegedly administered paediatric cough syrups manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals suggested that the company had been using contaminated raw material. Further investigation revealed that the company had not been following the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules. As a result of these discoveries, which have caused an international scandal with the World Health Organization (WHO)