In September of last year, The Gambia was struck by a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of around 70 children. These young lives were lost due to acute kidney injuries caused by consuming cough syrups manufactured by an Indian company called Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the link between the deaths and the syrups, revealing “unacceptable” levels of toxins in the medicines. However, both Maiden Pharmaceuticals and the Indian government have denied these allegations, sparking a contentious debate surrounding manufacturing practices and quality standards within the pharmaceutical industry. The impact of this tragedy has not only devastated families in The Gambia but has also raised concerns globally about the safety of generic drugs exported from India.
The story of Ebrima Sajnia, a taxi driver in The Gambia, is an embodiment of the heart-wrenching ordeal faced by parents. His three-year-old son, Lamin, was on the verge of starting nursery school when he fell ill. A doctor prescribed the cough syrup, but Lamin refused to take it. Desperate to help his son, Mr Sajnia forced him to consume the syrup, unknowingly sealing his fate. Lamin’s condition quickly worsened, and he eventually succumbed to kidney issues within a week. Tragically, many other parents in The Gambia share a similar narrative, losing their children due to the toxic cough syrups.
The reliance on Indian-made drugs in The Gambia adds a layer of complexity to the situation. The country heavily relies on India for the majority of its medical supplies due to the affordability of Indian drugs compared to those imported from America or Europe. However, the trust in Indian-made medications has significantly eroded among the bereaved parents who have lost their children. The tragic events have left a lasting scar on their psyche, leading some to avoid Indian pharmaceuticals altogether. This loss of faith poses a substantial challenge for The Gambia, where alternatives to Indian drugs are not readily available or financially viable.
While the tragedy has prompted concerns in other countries as well, it is India that holds the title of the world’s largest exporter of generic drugs, fulfilling the medical needs of numerous developing nations. This incident, along with similar tragedies in Uzbekistan and the United States, has triggered a reevaluation of manufacturing practices and quality standards within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Although these incidents have tarnished India’s pharmaceutical image globally, it has not significantly impacted its exports. In the financial year ending in March 2023, India exported medicines worth $25.4 billion, with $3.6 billion being sent to African nations alone.
To address these concerns, India has taken measures to safeguard its reputation and ensure the safety of its pharmaceutical exports. It has made it compulsory for companies to have cough syrup samples tested at government-approved laboratories before exporting. Additionally, India has set deadlines for its pharma companies to adopt WHO-standard good manufacturing practices. However, critics argue that India has maintained a “two-tier manufacturing system” for a long time, where drugs exported to the US and Europe undergo more stringent standards compared to those manufactured for local consumption and exported to less regulated markets.
The Gambian government, in response to the tragedy, has recommended the establishment of a quality control laboratory and dismissed two drug regulators. However, devastated parents express their dissatisfaction, stating that no significant changes have occurred within the country’s healthcare system over the past year. The medical infrastructure struggled to cope with the influx of fever cases during the outbreak, leaving some parents with no choice but to seek treatment for their children in neighboring Senegal. The lack of accountability and change within the health sector has fueled the anger among the victims’ families, as they demand justice for their lost children and hold those responsible accountable.
The families of 19 children have taken legal action against local health officials and Maiden Pharmaceuticals in the Gambian high court. They are determined to seek justice and ensure that similar tragedies do not occur again in The Gambia. With the support of advocacy groups, they are prepared to approach Indian and international courts if necessary, holding both the health minister and the pharmaceutical company responsible for their negligence.
This tragic series of events in The Gambia serves as a wake-up call to countries, questioning the safety and standards of generic drug exports from India. While the country continues to export vast quantities of medicines, it must prioritize the implementation of stringent manufacturing practices and quality control measures to restore confidence in its pharmaceutical industry. The repercussions of this catastrophe extend beyond borders, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of individuals worldwide.
