Tragic Poisoning: Indonesian Companies Ordered to Compensate Families of Victims

An Indonesian court ordered two companies to compensate families whose children died or were injured after consuming toxic cough syrup. Over 200 children died, and 120 more were injured. The court found the companies at fault but not the health ministry or food and drug agency, disappointing affected families.

An Indonesian court has mandated two local companies to compensate families whose children either perished or were severely injured due to toxic cough syrup. The compensation amounts range up to 60 million rupiah ($3,850) for each affected family. Tragically, more than 200 children in Indonesia succumbed to acute kidney injuries after consuming the contaminated syrup, while an additional 120 survived, often facing life-altering disabilities and financial hardships.

The court's decision cited inadequate oversight by pharmaceutical companies, including local drugmakers and suppliers, and spotlighted the role of the country's food and drug agency (BPOM). Following the poisonings, more than 20 families lodged a civil lawsuit in late 2022 against BPOM, the health ministry, and several companies. However, the Central Jakarta court found only the drug manufacturer Afi Farma and the supplier CV Samudera Chemical culpable, while clearing the health ministry and BPOM of any wrongdoing.

Disappointed victims' families, represented by lawyer Siti Habiba, critiqued the ruling for not addressing government oversight and for providing what they viewed as inadequate compensation. The court decision neglected elaborating on its rationale. Meanwhile, Afi Farma, previously found guilty of negligence by a criminal court, is contemplating further legal action. The World Health Organization has revealed that similar toxic medicine incidents also resulted in child fatalities in Gambia and Uzbekistan in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)