18 Children Die in Uzbekistan After Consuming Indian Cough Syrup

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health has reported that a cough syrup produced by the Indian company Marion Biotech has been linked to the deaths of 18 children, confirming that the findings of the investigation have been sent to law enforcement agencies, according to TASS.

The press service of the Ministry of Health stated that an investigation into the "Dok-1 Max" syrup and tablets, produced by the Indian Marion Biotech company, began a week ago.

"Of the 21 children sickened with acute respiratory infections after consuming 'Dok-1 Max', 18 have died. The collected documents have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies," the statement said.

The Ministry of Health added that all tablets and syrups of this medication have been removed from sale in pharmacies across the republic.

The ministry's statement also revealed that laboratory tests discovered a toxic substance, ethylene glycol, in the medication.
"The study showed that the deceased children were given this medication at home for two to seven days, three to four times a day, with each dose being administered at 2.5-5 milliliters, which exceeds the standard dosage intended for children," the press service added.