The National Drug Authority (NDA) has stated that cough syrups associated to the deaths of 66 children in Gambia are not utilized in Uganda.
However, the NDA cautioned the general public to be watchful and to report any suspected inferior or fraudulent medical items to the NDA.
“The NDA assures the public that the implicated items are not on the Ugandan market. The NDA has never approved or authorized the marketing of any drugs manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited (Haryana, India),” the statement NDA sent to Netizenposts reads.
Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip NCold Syrup are among the impacted syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited (Haryana, India).
According to the WHO, laboratory investigation of each of these goods revealed the presence of unsafe levels of Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol, which are poisonous to humans and can be lethal when swallowed.
According to the NDA, they have quality assurance measures in place to ensure access to safe, efficacious, and high-quality medicines, such as inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturers for compliance with good manufacturing practices and the review and approval of medicine dossiers before granting market authorization.
The agency said they also verify drug consignments for importation and inspect drug consignments at ports of entry.
“Inspection and licensing of pharmacies and drug stores are carried out through regional offices, while medicines and medical devices are tested at Mulago’s NDA WHO approved and 1SO 17025 certified laboratory,” the statement reads.
“After granting market authorization, NDA further undertakes post-market surveillance, which includes risk-based sampling and testing of medicines on the market; investigating drug-related complaints; and addressing any adverse drug reaction events involving medicines through Pharmacovigilance,” the NDA did add.