Indonesia court orders compensation of families of cough syrup victims
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Over 200 children were killed or injured from cough syrups produced and distributed by two Indonesian drug firms.
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Safitri Puspa Rani grieving her late son Panghegar Bhumi, who died from acute kidney injury linked to cough syrup associated with over 200 child deaths in Indonesia, on February 11, 2023. (AFP)
An Indonesian court has ordered two firms to compensate thousands of dollars to the families of over 200 children who were killed or injured by their contaminated cough syrup.
The Central Jakarta district court ruled on Thursday that supplier CV Samudera Chemical and cough syrup producer Afi Farma must pay a $3,200 fee for each death and $3,800 per injury.
The court's ruling provides a significantly low compensation compared to the dozen families of victims who demanded $200,000 for each death and $150,000 per injury upon suing the government, health ministry, and the two firms.
"It's saddening to see the ruling. The compensation is so much lower," said Nedy Amardianto, father of 10-month-old daughter Aisha who passed away due to acute kidney injury.
"The loss of a child cannot be replaced with money. But we had hope the judge would take our side."
The father and the lawyer representing the families voiced their disappointment in the court's lack of acknowledgment of any alleged misconduct by the nation's Health Ministry and drug regulator, which were both named in the lawsuit.
"It is deeply disappointing for the victims' families. What we are demanding is accountability from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency," Attorney Siti Habiba said.
The Health Ministry's spokesperson said the decision had to be reviewed.
WHO urges 'immediate action' as more children die from cough syrups
As children continuously and increasingly become victims to contaminated cough syrups, the World Health Organization (WHO) requested in January 2023 the “immediate and concerted action” to prevent further deaths of children due to this alarming matter.
Just in 2022, over 300 children total, in The Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan died due to kidney failure linked to the contaminated medicines, WHO said on January 23, 2023. The over-the-counter (no prescription needed) medicines were found to contain high levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.
“These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines,” the WHO stated as it further warned that the Philippines, Timor Leste, Senegal, and Cambodia may be affected because the medicines are being sold there.
“Since these are not isolated incidents, WHO calls on various key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take immediate and coordinated action,” WHO said.
