“毒糖浆”事件后，印度强制药企升级

Group 1 - The Indian government has rejected requests from pharmaceutical companies to extend the deadline for upgrading production facilities after at least 24 children died from locally produced cough syrup [1][2] - The cough syrup produced in India has been linked to over 140 child deaths in Africa and Central Asia, prompting the government to mandate compliance with World Health Organization standards by the end of 2023 [1][2] - The pharmaceutical industry in India is fragmented, with a weak regulatory system that struggles to effectively oversee numerous low-cost syrups produced by small manufacturers [1][2] Group 2 - India's pharmaceutical industry, valued at $50 billion, consists of approximately 3,000 companies operating over 10,000 factories, with about 24 companies producing the majority of medicines [2] - Concerns have been raised that the costs associated with upgrading facilities could lead to significant economic pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially resulting in drug shortages and job losses [2] - Regulatory authorities have stated that the deadline for upgrades cannot be extended repeatedly, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the safety issues as people are dying [2]