DGDA clears Napa syrup

The drug administration authorities did not find anything harmful in the Napa Syrup samples that could cause the deaths of the two siblings in Brahmanbaria.

The Directorate General of Drug Administration yesterday came up with the statement after lab testing three Napa Syrup samples of three batches, including the one in question.

At a press briefing, DGDA Director General Mohammad Yousuf said, "We found nothing harmful in the samples in the lab test results. The quality of the medicines was good. We can't say Napa Syrup is harmful.

"However, we are waiting for the probe report of police to know the reason behind the deaths."

The DGDA could not test the particular bottle of syrup in question that the siblings consumed as police seized it. The reason behind the deaths could only be known after the police's forensic report is available, he said.

"We have also asked our officers to collect samples of medicines manufactured under the batch in question. All these samples would be tested," he added.

The drug administration's investigation team has visited the factory of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd and its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) was found satisfactory, he further added.

All these moves came following the deaths of two siblings -- Yasin Khan, 7, and Morsalin Khan, 5 -- on Thursday night in Durgapur union of Brahmanbaria's Ashuganj upazila.

Family members alleged the children, who were suffering from high fever, died after they were given the medicine, produced by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

They said they bought it from a local drug store named "Maa Pharmacy".

On Saturday, a DGDA circular said the syrup in question was manufactured under Batch Number 32113121 at a Beximco factory in Tongi, Gazipur, in December last year. The batch expires in November 2023.

The drug administration formed two committees to investigate the matter.

Citing their products are perfect, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd officials said they were cooperating with the DGDA authorities for the investigation.