Cough Syrup Ban: 3 States Act After Child Deaths

Cough Syrup Ban: 3 States Act After Child Deaths

The governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have banned the sale of the cough syrup Coldrif following reports linking it to the deaths of children. The decision comes after nine children died in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan after consuming the syrup. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the ban on Saturday, stating, "The deaths of children in Chhindwara due to 'Coldrif syrup' are extremely tragic. The sale of this syrup has been banned across Madhya Pradesh."

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the factory producing Coldrif is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and that the state government requested an inquiry from Tamil Nadu authorities. The investigation revealed that Coldrif contained diethylene glycol (DEG) beyond permissible limits, a toxic substance linked to kidney failure.

In Rajasthan, the government suspended Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma for allegedly compromising drug quality standards. The state has also banned 19 types of medicines from Kaysons Pharma, which supplied cough syrups under the Chief Minister's Free Medicine Scheme. All batches of Dextromethorphan-based medicines have been halted due to quality concerns.

Tamil Nadu's government has taken similar action, banning Coldrif and ordering its removal from the market effective October 1. The state's Food Safety and Drug Administration has instructed local authorities to prevent its sale and freeze existing stocks. The manufacturer has been ordered to stop production until further testing is completed.

The Union Health Ministry has issued a nationwide advisory recommending that cough syrups should not be prescribed to children under two years of age. The ministry noted that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under five years. This advisory follows the tragic incidents involving the cough syrup, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of medications prescribed to children.

As investigations continue, officials have stated that those found responsible for the deaths will face strict action. The situation remains under close scrutiny as health authorities work to ensure the safety of medications available to the public.