Gambia Police Force has set up an invesigation panel to probe the deaths of 66 children linked to India-made contaminated cough syrups.  

“As an institution responsible for internal security and the protection of lives and properties, we are duty-bound to address such compelling issues that are capable of compromising the peace and security of this nation. 

“In our bid to swiftly respond to this national security issue, the office of the Inspector General of Police has constituted an investigation panel consisting of senior police officers with the prerequisite knowledge and relevant skills relating to this important matter at hand,” police said in a statement on Saturday.

The death toll from the contaminated syrup scandal has increased to 69.

The tragedy has made international headlines with calls for urgent action from the authorities in the Gambia and India. 

On Thursday, the World Health Organisation issued a global health alert on the four India-made cough syrups.

They are Promethazine Oral Solution BP, Kofexnalin Baby Cough Syrup, MaKoff Baby Cough Syrup and MaGrip n Cold Syrup 

The WHO warned that their use may result in serious injury or death, especially among children.

The WHO’s intervention came after medical authorities in The Gambia detected an increase in cases of acute kidney injury among children under the age of five in late July.

The Indian firm behind the deadly syrups, Maiden Pharmaceuticals, has been blacklisted in many countries for producing and exporting substandard medicines.  

The Indian government said it is investigating the allegations against Maiden Pharmaceuticals and has asked for more details from Gambian health officials and the WHO.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba