Indian cough syrup : Maiden Pharma Director absconding, family says don’t know his whereabouts after WHO probe

Sanjeev Ghangas: My brother (Vivek Goel, Director of Maiden Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd) has been absconding since night. His number is also switched off, says Manish Goel, brother Vivek Goel in a telephonic conversation with The Quotes. Mr Manish further told The Quotes that the family is also trying to reach out to Mr Vivek Goel but is currently ‘unaware of his whereabouts.’ 

Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd rose to fame on Wednesday evening after the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation initiated an investigation against the pharmaceutical company after the World Health Organisation linked the deaths reportedly 66 children in the Gambia to the consumption of the company’s cold and cough syrups. In its statement, the WHO said that the deaths of these Gambian children from acute kidney injuries might be linked to the contaminated cough and cold syrups made by Maiden Pharma. 

In a telephonic conversation with The Quotes, Mr Manish Goel further informed that he has nothing to take with Maiden Pharma and runs his own business. “I want to state clearly that I have nothing to take with my brother’s company. I run my own company, which has nothing to take with it,” Mr Manish added.

Reportedly, the CSDCO has taken up the matter with concerned state regulator authorities and launched a detailed probe based on information shared by WHO. 

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has reportedly claimed that the Center-bound authorities are investigating the matter. The state will not interfere until any order from New Delhi. Reports have also confirmed that the raids have been conducted at units of Maiden Pharma in Delhi, Sonipat and Chandigarh. 

More to follow.