Uzbekistan has said that at least 18 children in the country have died after allegedly taking cough medicine made in India.

India is ready to investigate this allegation. The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, in a statement, said that the children who died consumed Doc-1 Max cough syrup - made by Marion Biotech from Noida.

Laboratory tests of one type of syrup showed the presence of ethylene glycol - a toxic substance in the preparation, the ministry said. He also said that children are given the syrup at home without a doctor's note - by their parents and the advice of local pharmacists - in doses that exceed the standard for children.

It was found that the children, before coming to the hospital, took this syrup at home for 2-7 days, in doses of 2.5-5 ml three to four times a day, which exceeded the dose, the message said.

After the deaths of 18 children, Doc-1 Max tablets and syrups have been withdrawn from all pharmacies in the country, the statement said, adding that seven employees were dismissed because they failed to analyse the situation in a timely manner and take necessary measures.

Teams from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO - northern region) and the Uttar Pradesh Drug Control Authority will conduct a joint investigation, we learnt.

A report on the death toll was also requested from Uzbekistan. This is the second time in a year that an Indian-made cough medicine has come under scrutiny.

Last year, the deaths of 70 children in Gambia were linked to a cough medicine made by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals.