India Orders Drug makers to Modernize Plants After Deadly Cough Syrup Scandal

India’s government has rejected pleas from pharmaceutical firms to delay a year-end deadline. These firms were asked to upgrade their manufacturing plants to meet WHO safety standards, amid a deep crisis triggered by a toxic cough syrup. 

The crackdown comes after at least 24 children died from taking syrup containing dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical.  The company behind the syrup, Sresan Pharmaceutical, had failed to upgrade its facilities as required. 

Major drugmakers mostly complied with earlier deadlines, but many smaller firms claimed heavy financial burden from the required upgrades.  Still, the government insists the reprieve will not be extended again. 

Authorities have already shutdown Sresan’s facilities, revoked licenses, and arrested its founder over the scandal.  The deaths have reignited debates about drug regulation, export standards, and corporate accountability in India’s pharmaceutical sector.