Indian pharmaceutical companies face a reputation crisis due to harmful drugs causing deaths and health issues globally.
Cough syrups made by Indian companies caused the deaths of 66 children in Gambia, 65 in Uzbekistan (2022), and 12 in Cameroon (2023), due to toxic ingredients like diethylene glycol.
India-made eye drops contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria killed 3 people and caused blindness in 8 in the U.S. in 2023.
A Maharashtra-based company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, was found exporting unapproved, dangerous opioid combinations (tapentadol and carisoprodol) to West Africa, despite these combos not being legally approved.
While these drugs were approved as standalone substances, the combination was illegal and violated regulations since only the central drug authority can approve such combinations.
A BBC investigation exposed Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ illegal practices, leading to the seizure of nearly 13 million dangerous drugs and evidence of criminal activity.
Indian authorities have acted by suspending Aveo’s manufacturing license and issuing a show-cause notice, but strict punishment is necessary to deter future offenses.
Indian pharmaceutical companies are known for quality generic drugs, but these incidents risk tarnishing India’s reputation, particularly in producing dangerous synthetic opioids.
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