Centre Advises States to Ensure Rational Use of Cough Syrups, Especially Among Children

The Centre has advised States to ensure rational use of cough syrups, particularly among children, as most coughs are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological treatment. It has emphasised strict compliance with the Revised Schedule by all drug manufacturers in view of recent concerns relating to the quality and administration of cough syrups. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of the Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava with all States and Union Territories to review compliance with drug quality norms and promote the rational use of cough syrups, especially in paediatric populations. The matter was earlier reviewed by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who had directed that the matter shou