Getting the Lumpy Truth: Indonesia Moves to Sweep Clean the Cough Syrup Jungle
JAKARTA – Indonesia has slapped a ban on the toxic duo—diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) that were tied to 70 tragic deaths across Gambia. Why is this so important? Because along with the Gambia blunder, Jakarta’s own children have been battling an invisible enemy: sharp kidney damage that’s already claimed 20 lives this year.
What’s the Big Deal?
- DEG & EG: These chemical culprits are a nasty mix that silently infiltrates cough syrups.
- Fatal Fallout: In Gambia, 70 kids fell victim to the toxic brew; in Jakarta, a worrying number of kids have suffered from sudden kidney failure.
- Regulators at Work: BPOM (Indonesia’s Food and Drug Regulator) is on a whistle‑tracking mission, ensuring no other solvent or raw material is hiding the feds in its place.
Who’s Got the Dirty Deeds?
In the West African horror story, New Delhi‑based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd is the suspected author. Think of it as a bad plot twist in a medical thriller.
The WHO Says
The World Health Organization slammed the findings, calling the DEG/EG levels in four Maiden products “unacceptable” and downright toxic. When the gut says “nope,” the regulators follow up.
BPOM’s Guarded Position
BPOM insists that all medicine syrups—kids or grown‑ups—must not contain DEG or EG. As of now, the four flagged products are unregistered and banned outright in Indonesia.
What’s Next?
Indonesia is pulling the plug on any unauthorized cough syrup, while Gambia and India are tackling the kidney injury crisis together. PhD, cellular or dental—but the message is clear: stop the toxic mix before it boils up into more tragedy.
Bottom Line
Think of cough syrups as a poison‑free wellness potion. Any splash of DEG or EG is a fatal glitch. Indonesia’s quick action is like a watchdog wagging its tail—ready to bark whenever someone introduces the dangerous ingredients into the market.