Maldives confirms no imports of toxic Indian cough syrups

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has confirmed that the cough medicines linked to the deaths of children in India have not been imported into the Maldives.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the MFDA said it had received an alert from the South East Asian Region Network regarding three cough syrups produced by three Indian pharmaceutical companies. The alert advised a ban on the use and sale of the medicines after tests detected a toxic substance known as diethylene glycol (DEG).

The MFDA said that none of the three Indian manufacturers identified in the alert are licensed to supply medicines in the Maldives. The authority also confirmed that the specific products in question had not been imported into the country under any approved drug importation procedures.

However, the MFDA advised the public to remain cautious, noting that some individuals who travel to India for medical treatment may bring medicines into the Maldives independently.

The authority said it continues to monitor the safety of imported medicines.

“We are working continuously to ensure the safety of medicines imported into the Maldives. Laboratory analyses confirm that children’s cough and cold medicines imported into the country are free of DEG and EG,” the MFDA said.

The agency added that it is taking measures to address any issues related to the safety of children’s medicines in the local market.