Drug makers, safety normsIt is surprising that some manufacturers of cough syrup in India have not learnt any lesson after the uproar by some foreign countries such as Gambia and Uzbekistan, some years ago, following a similar incident — and the embarrassment caused to India (Inside pages, “Drug makers must comply with revised norms: govt.”, October 6).Lax inspection and a weak oversight mechanism appear to have emboldened some pharma manufacturers to cross red lines. It is not enough that the government prescribes norms and Good Manufacturing Practices. Hawk-like oversight with regular inspections and stringent action against pharmaceutical units not adhering to prescribed norms are imperative. India is called the “Pharmacy of the world” and drug manufacturers have to be extra cautious and adhere to international standards.Kosaraju Chandramouli,HyderabadI write this letter as a Professor of family medicine, paediatrics, clinical ethics and medical education. One fails to understand the failure to recognise irrational combinations of numerous medications available in the market. In the present instance, the cough syrup under scrutiny is like many others available in the market — i.e., irrational combinations. It allegedly has chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine and paracetamol. The first two have the potential for serious adverse effects, hence they are globally disallowed in children under age two if not age six. Combining them with paracetamol, which has a different frequency of administration, makes it a high risk for overdoses. These risks are irrespective of the addition of glycol levels. Should not these irrational combinations be scrutinised and the approving authority held responsible?Dr. Sanjiv Lewin,BengaluruAn ugly faceIt is unfortunate that growing hostility between India and Pakistan has seeped into sport. In cricket, for example, one had the men’s and women’s teams refusing post-match handshakes, tarnishing the spirit of the “gentleman’s game”. Laurels won or lost come later, dignity comes first. Sports should unite, not divide. The authorities must act to restore respect and fair play or stop teams from spreading animosity. True athletes rise above politics, showing that honouring a game’s values is the real victory.R.S. Narula,Patiala, PunjabPublished - October 07, 2025 12:24 am IST