India, Oct. 13 -- Earlier this month, at least 20 children died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, which tested positive for diethylene glycol (DEG) - a highly toxic industrial chemical known to cause kidney failure. This tragedy is not an isolated event. In 2022, dozens of children in The Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon died after ingesting India-made cough syrups (manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals) that also contained DEG.

To be the world's pharmacy is both an honour and a profound responsibility. India produces roughly one-fifth of the world's medicines and an even larger share of its generics. The pharmaceutical industry contributes nearly 6% of export earnings and provides essential drugs for ...