Target: Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya, Minister of Health for India
Goal: Investigate potentially contaminated cough syrups and alleged role in child deaths.
Toxic material found in antifreeze and industrial solvents reportedly found its way into cough syrup produced by six manufacturers in India and Indonesia. Even a small amount of these substances can prove fatal. And according to reports, the worst outcomes befell over 300 children (mostly under five years old) in several countries, from Gambia to Uzbekistan. Most of these young people died from acute kidney failure.
The troubling surge in deaths prompted the closure of at least two plants. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that more tainted over-the-counter cough syrups may be on the shelves of other countries. They also called for immediate action to rectify these urgent problems in the medical supply chain.
Sign the petition below to echo these calls for essential oversight and reform.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Mandaviya,
Cough syrup produced in India has become the subject of intense scrutiny following the deaths of hundreds of children who reportedly consumed the product. WHO has requested the aid of the international community in rigorously vetting medical supplies and immediately removing any suspect materials from store shelves. In addition, they are asking all nations to reevaluate the potential dangers of cough syrup use for very young children.
As a nation directly affected by this tragedy, please do everything in your power to join in these important efforts to protect the health and lives of youth.
Sincerely
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Cottonbro
275 Signatures