Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Embassy of India in Tashkent is closely following developments related to the unfortunate death of 18 children in Uzbekistan due to alleged poisoning with Dok1 Max cough syrup produced by the Indian company Marion Biotech, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh. This was stated in the statement of the diplomatic mission.

The Embassy expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy. The Embassy is in contact with the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency and requested the Agency to share the investigation reports with the Indian side so that necessary action can be taken in India as well.

As directed by the Ministry of Health and Family Support of the State of India, the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) of India has also been in regular contact with the National Drug Regulator of Uzbekistan since 27 December 2022.

Immediately upon receipt of the information, a joint inspection of the manufacturer’s NOIDA equipment, Marion Biotech, the Uttar Pradesh Drug Control Group and CDSCO was carried out, and further actions will be initiated as necessary based on the inspection report, the Embassy said.

"Marion Biotech is a licensed manufacturer and is licensed to manufacture Dok1 Max Syrup and Tablets for export purposes by the Uttar Pradesh Drug Enforcement Administration," the statement said.

“Samples of cough syrup were taken from the production facilities and sent for testing to the Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (RDTL) in Chandigarh, India,” the diplomatic mission emphasizes.

“India appreciates the partnership with Uzbekistan and cooperation in the field of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. We will continue to maintain close contact with the Uzbek authorities on this issue,” the statement said.

It should be underlined that 19 children under the age of 6 died after using the drug "Doc-1 Max". Law enforcement agencies opened a criminal case. Officials of the importing company Quramax Medical and the Scientific Center for Standardization of Medicines were detained under Article 186-3 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.