RAPID ALERT ON COUGH AND COLD SYRUPS MANUFACTURED BY MAIDEN PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED

The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) would like to inform all its stakeholders and the public, that it has received a global rapid alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on cough and cold syrups manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, Haryana, India

The products were first detected in the Gambia, where there were declared unfit for use by the (WHO) and allegedly responsible for the deaths of children reported in the same region.

Upon receiving the alert, BoMRA immediately conducted due diligence on the matter, including checking the databases of all registered products and records of importation, including that of registered medicine distributors and retailers. The preliminary investigation has shown that none of the mentioned products appear on the BoMRA medicines register and there is no evidence that they are available in the Botswana market, based on any approval issued by the Authority.

BoMRA is mandated to ensure that all medical products used in Botswana meet the set standards of safety, quality, and efficacy, the Authority further reassures the nation that its post-marketing surveillance program has increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains to detect and remove any such products if found.

The public is further requested to notify BoMRA of any suspicious products that may have been distributed through informal markets as well as report adverse drug reactions.