`Kofexmalin, Makoff, Magrip, Promethazine’: J&K government launches drive to prevent sale, use of banned cough syrups

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has gone into an overdrive to prevent the sale and use of banned cough syrups in the union territory.

After the death of 66 children in Gambia, World Health Organization (WHO) has banned the use of four syrups manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals. These include Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

Dr. Mir Mushtaq Ahmad, the spokesperson at the Directorate of Health Service, Kashmir, told The Kashmir Monitor they will confirm whether such drugs are being sold in the valley.

“As of now, we haven’t heard anything about these drugs. But we will confirm whether they are being sold in the valley. We will get in touch with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation to get details about it,” he said.

Dr. Mushtaq said they are also getting in touch with the drug controller to see whether the private pharmaceutical outlets have any stock of these medicines.

“In India, we have many pharmaceutical companies which cater to the international market only. The problem is not with the salt but with the combination of the contaminants. We will investigate and come up with a detailed overview of the safe drugs in the valley,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Drug Controller Lotika Khajuria said the department has started inspecting various pharmacies in the valley.

“We have activated our officials at the district level to check whether these medicines are being sold or used. If these are available then we may receive the report by evening,” she said.

The drug controller said they will act against the erring chemists under the provision of the relevant act. “Our first motive will be to block the supply chain. If this drug is available or found sold by any pharmacy outlet, he or she will have to face strict action,” she said.

Meanwhile, pediatricians said they do not prescribe these medicines to the valley.