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Cough syrup crisis: Tamil Nadu suspends 2 drug inspectors, moves to close pharma co

Chennai: Two senior drug inspectors have been suspended for their inaction in the deadly cough syrup adulteration case that has claimed multiple lives, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said.

The inspectors were served notice for failing to inspect the Sresen Pharma manufacturing facility for two years. In light of this, they were suspended from their positions.

As per PTI, the minister also confirmed that steps will be taken to permanently shut down the pharma company whose product allegedly claimed many lives.

“Tamil Nadu was the first to confirm the adulteration in the cough syrup (Coldrif) and we immediately informed the Union Health Ministry, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and even Puducherry about the health hazard of consuming the cough syrup,” Subramanian told reporters here when his attention was drawn to the arrest of Sresen Pharma company owner G Ranganathan, today.

Immediately, the state government issued “stop production” order on October 3 and temporarily revoked the company’s manufacturing licence. Criminal action was initiated on Ranganathan on October 7, and he was arrested past midnight on October 8, he said.

Read also: TN based cough syrup pharma owner arrested in Chennai

“Based on a detailed investigation, which is underway, steps will be taken to permanently close down the pharma company. A decision will be taken in three days’ time,” the minister assured.

Also, Subramanian informed that the state stopped procuring Coldrif following the “adulteration” and had even banned its sale in the market. “Due to our prompt action, a major catastrophe was averted,” he added.

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