The tragic story of a hazardous cough syrup continues to unfold nationwide, claiming the lives of children. After 11 deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, and 3 in Rajasthan, authorities have escalated efforts for stringent actions. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has urged the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take severe actions against the makers of 'Coldrif' syrup for 'most serious offenses'. The responsible company, Sresan Pharmaceutical, is based in Tamil Nadu.
The Central Health Secretary is organizing a video conference with Principal Secretaries, Health Secretaries, and Drug Controllers from all states and union territories to discuss the judicious use of cough syrups and the quality of medications.
In response to the tragic deaths of 11 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, owing to Coldrif cough syrup, strict actions have been undertaken. Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed this syrup to most of the deceased children, was arrested late Saturday night. Earlier, an FIR was filed against Dr. Soni and the operators of Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Parasia police station.
The case registered under Section 27(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, alongside Sections 105 and 276 of BNS, was prompted by a complaint from Parasia CHC's BMO, Ankit Sahlam. Lab reports revealed that Coldrif cough syrup contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), posing a significant health hazard.
Chhindwara Collector Harendra Narayan stated, "We've coordinated with the SP, provided all lab reports and documents. Investigations will uncover lapses. An FIR is lodged against the manufacturer due to the high quantity of harmful substances found in the lab report. The district immediately banned the drug sales. Children who consumed it before the ban are expected to recover. 11 deaths occurred in Parasia subdivision."
Names of the Deceased Children:
1- Shivam2- Vidhi3- Adnan4- Usaid5- Rishika6- Hetansh7- Vikas8- Chanchalesh9- Sandhya
Recent Deaths:10- Shreya (Died September 16, report arrived yesterday)11- Yogita (October 4)
The Madhya Pradesh government imposed a total ban on Coldrif syrup sales on Saturday. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed sorrow over the children's deaths in Chhindwara on X, announcing a complete ban on the syrup's sales, with future restrictions on other products by the company. Perpetrators will not be spared.
3 Children's Deaths in Rajasthan
In Jaipur, Rajasthan, six-year-old Ansh died on Saturday after being referred to JK Lon Hospital from Churu. The family claims the child was administered cough syrup at home, leading to a deterioration in his condition.
After a three-day hospitalization in Churu, the child reached Jaipur's JK Lon Hospital at 4 AM Saturday and passed away by 10 AM.
An official noted the child suffered from acute brain fever. This death is linked to the series involving 13 children, 11 in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan.
Earlier, Rajasthan recorded two deaths in Bharatpur and Sikar, alleged due to cough syrup
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup IP
supplied under a government hospital free medicine scheme. KAYSONS Pharma, a private pharma company, manufactured this syrup, following which reports emerged of children's kidney failure after intake.
Source: aajtak
However, officials claim the syrup was deemed safe after tests. State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar remarked, "We conducted two tests on the medicine—first by the Drug Controller, then RMSCL. No flaws were discovered."
On Saturday, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration issued a 'Public Alert-Stop Use Notice' for Coldrif syrup (Batch No. SR-13). The agency raised concern over deaths reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, identifying DEG contamination in the syrup, a toxic element. Kerala has also suspended its sale through the Drugs Control Department.
Health Minister Veena George stated, "The flagged batch did not sell in Kerala, yet samples have been sent for testing. Other cough syrup samples are also undergoing tests."
Following the tragic children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Central Drugs Regulatory Body, CDSCO, initiated inspections at drug factories across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The objective is to identify deficiencies in drug quality and propose procedural improvements to prevent such events in the future. 19 samples, including cough syrups, antipyretics, and antibiotics, have been seized for quality assessment.
48.6% Diethylene Glycol Found in Coldrif Syrup
According to sources from the Health Ministry, samples of Coldrif syrup collected from Sresan Pharma's unit in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Consequently, the Tamil Nadu government banned the syrup’s sale and ordered its withdrawal from the market. The factory inspection was conducted, accompanied by fresh sampling. The Madhya Pradesh government requested the Himachal Pradesh Drug Authority to oversee checks on other suspect cough syrups.
The Ministry clarified that 6 CDSCO-tested samples (antibiotics, antipyretics, and ondansetron included) found no DEG-EG presence. These samples pertained to other drugs administered to sick children in Chhindwara. State-level testing for suspect samples of Coldrif and other syrups is underway, with the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration confirming clear results for three samples.
A team comprising experts from the National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CDSCO, and IIMS-Nagpur is scrutinizing the causes behind child fatalities in the Chhindwara region. Since September 7, 11 children have succumbed to kidney failure, with 13 children (8 in Chhindwara and Nagpur) undergoing treatment.
