Gambian lawmakers urge compensation for cough syrup death of children
Published:Thursday | October 27, 2022 | 6:42 AM
BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — Gambian lawmakers on Wednesday urged compensation for the families of 70 children who authorities believe may have died after taking a contaminated cough syrup imported from India.
The special legislative session was held several weeks after the World Health Organization issued an alarm about 66 deaths from acute kidney injury.
Gambian authorities launched an urgent door-to-door campaign to confiscate any remaining bottles of the syrup. The toll has still risen by four more deaths.
Wednesday's meeting also drew grieving family members including Mariama Sysawo, who said her 5-month-old daughter, Isatou, died in late August after taking one of the cough syrups.
“My mind is still stuck on the last moments I had with my child,” she told The Associated Press.
“After experiencing problems urinating, my baby had to face unbearable pains. Justice must be served even if it means inflicting huge penalties on the Indian company.”
The WHO's medical product alert said four cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited in India “have been potentially linked to acute kidney injuries” in children.
The WHO has said that it is pursuing investigations with the company and regulatory authorities in India.
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