The Ministry of Health has scheduled an urgent meeting at 4:00 pm on Sunday to tackle the critical issue of contaminated cough syrups following the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh. The meeting will be chaired by the Health Secretary and will include Principal Secretaries, Health Secretaries, and Drug Controllers from all states and Union Territories.
The focus of the meeting will be twofold: ensuring the rational use of cough syrups and strengthening the quality control of pharmaceutical products. Officials emphasized that over-the-counter medicines like cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under five, highlighting the need for stringent regulation.
Toxic Cough Syrup Causes Tragedy in Madhya Pradesh
In Chhindwara district, 14 children reportedly died due to suspected renal failure after consuming the Coldrif cough syrup. Laboratory tests revealed that the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial chemical used in antifreeze and brake fluids, which can cause kidney failure and death if ingested.
In response, the Madhya Pradesh government banned the sale of Coldrif and all products from its manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceutical, based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The Madhya Pradesh-Drug Regulatory Authority is also analyzing samples of the syrup, with final results awaited.
CDSCO Orders Nationwide Crackdown
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched a nationwide crackdown on manufacturers compromising drug quality. Risk-based inspections are being carried out across drug manufacturing units to identify regulatory lapses. Strict action is also being sought against Sresan Pharmaceutical.
Doctor Arrested in Chhindwara
A doctor in Chhindwara, Dr. Praveen Soni, has been arrested. Most of the affected children had been treated at his private clinic in Parasia. Dr. Soni, who also works as a government doctor, reportedly prescribed Coldrif to children with cough and seasonal fever. A case has been registered against Sresan Pharmaceuticals in connection with the incident.
Rajasthan Suspends 19 Medicines
In Rajasthan, 19 medicines from Kaysan Pharma, Jaipur, were suspended after adverse effects were reported from Dextromethorphan HBr Syrup batches KL-25/147 and KL-25/148 in Bharatpur and Sikar.
Two health officials and the State Drug Controller were suspended for negligence. The Rajasthan government has advised doctors to strictly follow guidelines restricting Dextromethorphan for children under five.
Tamil Nadu Bans Coldrif Syrup
Following the deaths, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup and ordered its removal from the market. Inspections were conducted at the Sresan Pharmaceutical facility in Kancheepuram district, and samples were collected for testing. The company distributes medicines to Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Puducherry.
Kerala Stops Distribution
Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced that the sale of Coldrif has been suspended across the state. Although the flagged batch was not sold in Kerala, all distributors and medical stores were instructed to halt distribution as a precaution.
Uttarakhand Launches Raids
In Uttarakhand, raids were conducted on medical stores and wholesale drug dealers to prevent similar tragedies. Drug inspectors have been instructed to collect and test samples of cough syrups from hospitals and shops, and Chief Medical Officers were ordered to implement central government advisories immediately.
Strong Measures Taken to Ensure Drug Safety
Authorities across India have acted swiftly to control the spread of toxic cough syrups and prevent further fatalities. With multiple states banning Coldrif and other potentially harmful medications, the central and state governments are emphasizing strict monitoring, inspections, and immediate action against negligent manufacturers and distributors.
Also Read: Who Is Responsible for Cough Syrup Tragedy in Chhindwara And Why The Doctor Arrested?
