The Gujarat government has suspended all manufacturing activities at two pharmaceutical companies—Shape Pharma Pvt Ltd (Surendranagar) and Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd (Ahmedabad)—after their cough syrups and other medicines were found “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ) by regulatory authorities.
Health Minister and spokesperson Rushikesh Patel announced the action on Tuesday, following the recent deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, allegedly caused by a toxic cough syrup named Coldrif.
A joint inspection by the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) between October 3 and 5 uncovered several deficiencies. Both firms have been ordered to halt production immediately and recall NSQ medicines from the market.
Chemists across the state have been directed to stop selling the affected syrups and return existing stocks. Fourteen additional samples have been sent for testing at a government laboratory.
The state government has also instructed all drug inspectors to carry out strict inspections of cough syrup manufacturers, checking water quality, raw materials, production methods, and quality control systems.