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Kathmandu, October 17 — While I was based in The Gambia, I witnessed parents crying as their children succumbed to an unknown illness. Hospitals were filled with young patients who had suddenly experienced kidney failure. For several days, the reason remained a mystery. Eventually, we found out that the cause was something as basic – and as terrifying – as contaminated cough syrup. Four different brands, produced in India and contaminated with ethylene and diethylene glycol, had poisoned many children. I still recall the terror in a mother’s eyes when she questioned if her child would be the next victim. It was one of the most difficult moments of my life, and it altered my perspective on medicine – not just as a remedy, but as a potential danger if proper attention is lacking.

The same terrifying situation is happening nearer to home. In Madhya Pradesh, India, almost twenty children recently passed away after consuming a cough syrup that was later discovered to have 48.6% diethylene glycol, an industrial chemical used in brake fluid. Two additional children lost their lives in Rajasthan under comparable conditions. These incidents mirror those in The Gambia and Uzbekistan, where Indian-manufactured syrups led to widespread fatalities just two years prior. Each event follows the same pattern: contamination, loss of life, public anger, inquiry, pledges for change—and then silence, until the next disaster occurs.

This serves as a warning for Nepal. A significant portion of our medication is still sourced from India, including budget-friendly generic drugs and syrups available in pharmacies and health centers throughout the nation. The closeness and low cost make Indian medicines a crucial support system for millions of Nepalis, particularly in isolated regions. However, this reliance also exposes us to risks. If our import regulations are not strictly enforced, the following batch of harmful syrups could just as easily reach our stores.

In fairness, Nepal already has mechanisms in place to safeguard its people. The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) oversees the import and sale of medications under the Drugs Act of 2035 and the Drug Registration Regulation of 2038. All foreign medicines must be registered prior to entering the market, and importers are obligated to secure recommendation letters from the DDA. These form solid foundations. The DDA also provides guidance on proper pharmacy, storage, and distribution practices, and routinely performs market inspections to identify fake or subpar drugs. Against the backdrop of many low-income nations, this constitutes an impressive system.

Published by HT Digital Content Services, with permission from Republica.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).