Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In Samarkand, 18 children died after taking the drug "Doc-1 Max". This was stated in the statement of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for the rights of the child.

Children’s Ombudsman of Uzbekistan Aliya Yunusova conducted a study of death reports of 15 children who took pills and syrup "Doc-1 Max" (India).

According to the children’s Ombudsman, in September-December, 21 children with acute renal failure were treated at the regional children’s multidisciplinary medical center. The children were from Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Navoi and Samarkand regions.

The statement of the Ombudsman said that three patients recovered and were discharged home. The remaining 18 children have died. All children were under 6 years of age. At the same time, 15 children were under the age of 3 years.

Relatives of the children noted that they had symptoms of a cold and that their condition worsened after taking Doc-1 Max.

Each 10 ml of Doc-1 Max contains paracetamol - 500 mg, guaifenesin - 200 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride - 10 mg. The instructions for use of the drug say that the drug can be used from 2 years of age. Similar drugs from other companies with this composition are allowed to be used after 12 years of age.

The statement of the Ombudsman states that none of the deceased patients was subjected to post-mortem examination, despite the requirements of the legislation of Uzbekistan.

A working group set up by the Ministry of Health is conducting a study. The prosecutor’s office of Samarkand is investigating the death of children.

The Children’s Ombudsman urged the prosecutor’s office to carefully study the situation and ensure that every perpetrator is punished.

On 22 December, it was reported that Uzbekistan temporarily banned the sale of the Indian flu and cold drug Doc-1 Max after reports of side effects of the drug appeared on social networks.

The Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan, after the appearance of information in social networks, took the situation under control.