Cough syrup deaths: Annamalai alleges TN drug controllers did not attend training session
Madurai (PTI): Tamil Nadu BJP former president K Annamalai on Sunday alleged that the state's drug controllers never attended the training sessions held by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and sought explanation from Chief Minister M K Stalin.
His remarks come in the wake of the investigation against the Kanchipuram-based manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, linked to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh, has brought to light lapses by the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration in enforcing basic regulatory norms.
Licensed in 2011 by the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (TNFDA), Sresan Pharma continued operations unchecked for over a decade despite its dismal infrastructure and multiple violations of national drug safety rules, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation said.
The cough syrup was found to be dangerously adulterated with the highly poisonous substance Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
Speaking to reporters at Madurai airport, Annamalai said the chief minister should take responsibility for the lapses.
He asked, "If they (drug controllers) don't attend training sessions, how would they know that diethylene glycol (DEG) is a toxic substance."
He also said the union government has now decided to test drugs for harmful content post production as well.
"There are many stages to drug testing, but they are mostly tested during production. Now, the central government has announced that it will also check post production to plug all gaps in India's drug safety regulations," said Annamalai.
He said as it has come to light that the cough syrup had more than 300 quality violations. It is clear that drug controllers and inspectors of Tamil Nadu have not checked it at all, he claimed.
"The Tamil Nadu government is responsible for this and they should not only explain why this came to pass, but should also take responsibility. Just suspending a couple of drug inspectors and controllers will not do," he insisted.
Following the deaths of at least 20 children, most of whom were under five, in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the owner of the pharma company manufacturing the cough syrup, G Ranganathan, was arrested by the police on October 9.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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