Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Three medical workers were detained in connection with the investigation into the mass poisoning of children with the drug Antistrumin.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan stated that the department is conducting a preliminary investigation into a criminal case related to the poisoning of children with the drug.

The department noted that although the investigation into the criminal case has not yet been completed, information about the arrest of three women in the criminal case was disseminated in the media with different interpretations. The Prosecutor General’s Office notes that this information impedes the objective and impartial conduct of the investigation.

The Prosecutor General’s Office reminded that in accordance with the legislation of Uzbekistan, it is prohibited to disclose personal information and interfere with the investigation.

The Prosecutor General’s Office called on the media and social network users not to disseminate information about this criminal case on social networks until the investigation is completed.

Based on the results of the investigation, additional information will be provided, the department said in a statement.

In September 2023, an iodization program was launched in all schools and kindergartens. Children began to be given iodine tablets in a prophylactic dose to protect them from iodine deficiency. In Namangan and Andijan regions, several children were hospitalized after taking the drug Antistrumin.