ENA Sectors 2025-10-17 17:55:47 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Oct 17 (KNN)</strong> 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 childrens lives in Madhya Pradesh.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">However, some smaller manufacturers sought additional time, citing financial strain and potential bankruptcy due to the high cost of facility upgrades.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials informed the industry of the governments 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 Indias image as the pharmacy of the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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 &mdash; far exceeding safe limits. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Following the incident, several states banned the syrup, and the health ministry advised against prescribing cough medicines to children under two years of age.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a judicial probe and comprehensive reform of Indias drug regulation system.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 43831 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/centre-denies-drugmakers-plea-for-more-time-to-upgrade-facilities-after-toxic-cough-syrup-deaths 2025-10-17 17:55:47 knnindia.co.in