Health Ministry Holds Emergency Meeting Over Cough Syrup-Linked Child Deaths In MP & Rajasthan

The Health Ministry has scheduled an urgent meeting today at 4:00 pm with state health officials to address the crisis of contaminated cough syrups following the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. The meeting will be chaired by the Health Secretary and attended by Principal Secretaries, Health Secretaries, and Drug Controllers from all States and Union Territories (UTs). The focus will be on the rational use of cough syrups and ensuring the quality and safety of drugs, particularly over-the-counter medicines, which are generally not recommended for children under five.

Cough Syrup-Linked Deaths in MP

The children in Chhindwara reportedly died due to suspected renal failure after consuming the Coldrif cough syrup. Tests revealed the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial chemical used in antifreeze and brake fluids, which can cause acute kidney failure and death if ingested. Following these findings, the Madhya Pradesh government banned the sale of Coldrif syrup.

The Tamil Nadu-FDA tested a sample of Coldrif and confirmed it was adulterated. The Madhya Pradesh Drug Regulatory Authority is conducting further analysis, with final results awaited. Background testing by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on six other medicines, including antibiotics, antipyretics, and ondansetron, found no DEG contamination. In response to the crisis, the CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units nationwide and promised strict action against manufacturers violating quality norms, including Sresan Pharmaceutical, the Tamil Nadu-based company producing Coldrif.

Doctor Arrested in Chhindwara

Authorities have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni, a paediatrician whose private clinic in Parasia treated most of the deceased children. Dr. Soni, also a government doctor, had prescribed Coldrif syrup to children suffering from cough and fever. Madhya Pradesh authorities have also filed a case against Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

Rajasthan Suspends 19 Medicines

In Rajasthan, 19 medicines supplied by Kaysan Pharma, Jaipur, were suspended after adverse effects were reported in Bharatpur and Sikar, linked to Dextromethorphan HBr Syrup. Health officials Dr. Palak Koolwal and pharmacist Pappu Soni were suspended for negligence, along with State Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma. Complaints involved batches KL-25/147 (Bharatpur) and KL-25/148 (Sikar), where patients experienced vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and drowsiness. Authorities have banned these batches and sent samples for laboratory testing.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued advisories warning that Dextromethorphan should not be given to children under two years old and is generally recommended only for those above five. Rajasthan authorities instructed doctors to strictly follow these guidelines.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala Ban Coldrif Syrup

Following the deaths, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale of Coldrif syrup nationwide and ordered its removal from the market. Inspections were conducted at the manufacturer's facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram, with samples sent for laboratory testing for DEG contamination.

Similarly, the Kerala Drugs Control Department suspended the sale of Coldrif syrup, although the flagged batch was not sold in the state. The department instructed distributors and medical stores to immediately halt distribution and sales.

Raids in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government launched raids on medical stores and wholesale drug dealers to prevent further child deaths. The state's Health Secretary and FDA Commissioner, Dr. R Rajesh Kumar, directed drug inspectors to collect samples of cough syrups from hospitals and shops for laboratory testing. Chief Medical Officers have been instructed to implement central government advisories immediately to ensure defective drugs are removed from circulation.

This coordinated action across multiple states reflects the government's resolve to strengthen drug safety regulations and prevent further tragedies linked to contaminated medicines.