Experts push for tighter drug surveillance, following contaminated syrups scare

Health experts are urging stronger pharmaceutical surveillance and regulation to safeguard public health following a World Health Organisation (WHO) alert on contaminated cough syrups produced by three Indian manufacturers.

WHO identified the affected products—COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—as substandard after they failed to meet required quality and safety standards.

The global health body, however, clarified that there is no evidence that the syrups were exported outside India, though the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director, George Jobe, says such cases demand continued vigilance.

In response, the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has reassured Malawians that none of the three products is registered locally, making it highly unlikely that they have entered the Malawian market.

The Authority has nonetheless urged the public and health professionals to remain alert and report any suspected substandard medicines or adverse drug reactions to PMRA or the nearest health facility.

Jobe has further called for intensified inspections in pharmacies and informal markets, tighter border controls, and greater collaboration between PMRA, civil society, and the media.

“We are calling for continued vigilance and stronger pharmaceutical regulation to safeguard public health. We recommend Enhanced surveillance and inspections across pharmacies, drug stores, and informal markets to ensure that no unregistered or substandard medicines are circulating.

There should also be Tight border controls and customs checks to prevent the illegal importation of medicines from unverified sources,” Jobe said

WHO data indicates that atleast 1 in 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified and that countries spend an estimated US$ 30.5 billion per year on substandard and falsified medical products