Indonesia's Cough Syrup Manufacturer CEO Sentenced to Prison Following Deaths of Children

Four officials, including the boss, of an Indonesian firm called Afi Farma have been sentenced to two years in jail and fined 1 billion Indonesian rupiah ($63,029) as their cough syrup was found responsible for causing the deaths of over 200 children. The company was accused of producing cough syrups that contained dangerously high levels of toxic substances. The defendants denied negligence and are considering an appeal. The prosecutors were seeking a longer prison sentence, but the judge found them guilty of intentionally producing pharmaceutical goods that did not meet safety standards. The case highlights the need for tighter oversight of drug supply chains worldwide. The World Health Organization has also issued warnings about certain cough syrups produced in India and Indonesia.