Indian-manufactured death cough syrup
One AmericaAPR 2023
The Indian pharmaceutical industry famously has a subpar safety record, especially compared to the US and China. Quality-control issues extend beyond cough syrup, and have led to numerous infections and even some deaths. As the largest global exporter of generic drugs, India must clean up its record for the safety of patients around the world.
India is the world's pharmacy because, unlike wealthier countries, it provides successful generic drugs to low and middle-income nations for affordable prices. Its vaccine, for example, cost $3 per dose compared to $37 for a US-produced equivalent. Given its reliance on US business to turn a profit, if the West and China continue to squeeze India out of the market, it will in turn hurt the developing nations who rely on India's generic drug development.