The Gambia government has sacked the director and deputy director of the Medicine Control Agency over thedeaths of 70 children from contaminated cough syrups.

At least 70 children died of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) disease in July 2022 after consuming contaminated cough syrups manufactured by Indian drugs company Maiden Pharmaceuticals.

The Gambia government set up a task force last year to investigate the incident surrounding the AKI saga amid public outrage.

Speaking at a government joint press conference at Banjul, Dr Ahmadou Samateh, minister of health read out the findings of the task force with their recommendations.

“The Ministry of Health has retained an 

experienced firm that is currently carrying out a review of all the health-related legislation in The Gambia. This will be carried out as part of this ongoing review of the acts under the MOH.

“The Governmnent of The Gambia should, with immediate effect, dismiss the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director and consider prosecuting them in line with the relevant laws for their abdication of their official duties,” he said. 

“Considering the foregoing, for the 

purpose of strengthening the MCA and restoration of public confidence in the institution, Executive Director of MCA has been dismissed with immediate effect and also the contract of the Deputy Executive Director is terminated with immediate effect,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba