Uzbekistan has claimed that at least 18 children in the country have died after allegedly taking an India-manufactured cough syrup.
The health ministry of Uzbekistan, in a statement, said that the 18 children who died had consumed cough syrup Doc-1 Max - manufactured by Noida-based Marion Biotech.
The laboratory tests of a batch of syrups found presence of ethylene glycol - a toxic substance in the preparation, the ministry said.
It also said the syrup was given to children at home without a doctor's prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of pharmacists, with doses that exceeded the standard dose for children.
According to the company website, the syrup is given to treat cold and flu symptoms.
After the deaths of 18 children, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups have been withdrawn from all pharmacies in the country, the statement said, adding that seven employees had been dismissed because they failed to analyse the situation in a timely manner and take necessary measures.
India has launched a probe after deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan were linked to the syrup manufactured by Noida-based drugmaker, it is learnt.
