Pharma Crackdown: Gujarat Suspends Two Firms for Poor Quality Drugs
Gujarat suspends two pharma firms’ production.
The Gujarat government has ordered an immediate suspension of production at two pharmaceutical companies, Shape Pharma Pvt Ltd in Surendranagar and Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd in Ahmedabad, after their cough syrups were deemed "Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)" by health authorities. The decision follows the tragic deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, linked to suspected renal failure from consuming a toxic cough syrup, Coldrif.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel announced the action after a joint investigation by the state Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, conducted between October 3 and 5, uncovered multiple deficiencies at the firms’ manufacturing facilities. "Both companies have been directed to halt production of all medicines immediately," Patel stated, emphasizing public safety.
The probe was initiated amid reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly tied to contaminated cough syrups produced in Gujarat. While no NSQ medicines were found on the premises during inspections, the government has ordered both firms to recall their substandard syrups from the market. Chemists across Gujarat have been instructed to stop selling these products and return existing stock.
Also Read: Deadly Crane Collapse at Gujarat Steel Giant: Winds Blamed in Fatal Factory Mishap
Patel revealed that 14 samples of other cough syrups from these companies have been sent to a government laboratory in Vadodara for testing. Gujarat, home to 624 licensed oral liquid medicine manufacturers, has intensified oversight to prevent further risks. The FDCA has directed assistant commissioners to conduct rigorous inspections of all cough syrup and oral liquid producers, examining water quality, raw materials, production processes, and quality control systems. At least five samples from different brands will be tested expeditiously to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Also Read: Private Bus Collides with Stationary Truck in Gujarat, 3 Killed
