New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- The Central government has rejected requests from several pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking an extension of the December 2024 deadline to upgrade their facilities to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, following the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy that claimed 24 children's lives in Madhya Pradesh.

According to a Reuters report, the decision was made in October after tests revealed dangerously high levels of toxicity in samples of the Coldrif syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer. The company reportedly failed to implement safety upgrades mandated by the government.

The Centre had earlier ordered all drugmakers to comply with WHO-recommended manufacturing standards, including stricter safe...