Summary A report claimed Indian pharmaceutical companies are contributing to rising drug abuse in Africa through synthetic opioids and dangerous medicines linked to deaths abroad
NEW DELHI (Dunya News) - Indian pharmaceutical companies have come under scrutiny following claims that dangerous synthetic drugs and medicines manufactured in India are contributing to rising drug abuse and health crises in several countries.
According to a report published by global journal Pharmacy Business, Indian pharmaceutical firms are allegedly playing a major role in the spread of synthetic opioid drugs across parts of Africa.
The report stated that unauthorised shipments of synthetic opioid medicines worth millions of dollars are being sent every month from India to countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana, contributing to the growing use of dangerous narcotics in the region.
India's externalization of internal issues exposed
It further claimed that these substances have intensified what is being described as a “zombie drug” crisis in parts of Africa, while similar opioid products linked to India had earlier contributed to nearly one million deaths in the United States before strict restrictions were imposed.
According to the report, around 400 people died within three months in the capital of Sierra Leone due to the spread of dangerous drugs allegedly linked to Indian pharmaceutical products.
The publication also alleged that such substances are being used by criminal and militant networks to carry out illegal activities in different regions.
Experts cited in the report further claimed that contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India were linked to the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, nearly 70 in Gambia and 12 in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Analysts said the growing international concern over the alleged export of harmful medicines and synthetic drugs could increase pressure on India to strengthen oversight and regulation of its pharmaceutical sector.
