Rid’s syrup unauthorised, toxic element found

Says probe report on paracetamol tragedy
The government-formed probe committee has found presence of poisonous Diethylene Glycol in the paracetamol syrup of one pharmaceutical company after examining 300 samples of paracetamol and vitamin syrup of 10 companies.
The seven-member body submitted its report to Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque yesterday.
The committee headed by Joint Secretary (hospital) Abdul Jalil was formed on July 21 following the deaths of about 25 children due to renal failure in the last one and a half months. It was supposed to submit its report within five working days.
Ruhal at a press briefing at the ministry said Rid Pharmaceutical obtained licence to produce paracetamol suspension but it manufactured paracetamol syrup in violation of the rules.
“Furthermore, instead of Propylene Glycol, they used poisonous Diethylene Glycol which is used in tannery and battery industries,” he said.
The health minister said legal actions would be taken against the company.
Meanwhile, the company’s factory has been sealed off and its products have been withdrawn from the market.
However, no poisonous compound was found in its vitamin syrup, the committee members said.
They said all deaths from renal failure were not caused due to the presence of Diethylene in paracetamol.
“It will require further research to find out the reasons behind the deaths of the rest,” said chairman of pediatric nephrology department and committee member Prof Moazzam Hossain.
Renal failure might occur due to various reasons including the presence of Diethylene in paracetamol, he added.
Ruhal told reporters that enquiry would be conducted to find out whether any unscrupulous inspector or drug superintendent helped the company.
The minister said the government will set up an international-standard drug testing laboratory to ensure drug safety. Besides, the Drug Administration would be reformed and strengthened.
About 34 children with renal failure were admitted to the Dhaka Shishu Hospital and the BSMMU. Of them, 25 died leading to formation of the probe body.

Courtesy of The Daily Star