The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a clarification regarding reports linking cough syrup to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Ministry clarified that, taking cognizance of these reports, a joint team of representatives from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) visited the site and, in coordination with state officials, collected several samples, including various cough syrup samples. Testing of these samples so far has revealed no presence of the harmful chemical diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol in any of the syrup samples.
The Ministry stated that a joint team from various institutions, including NCDC, NIV, and CDSCO, visited the site and collected syrup, blood, and other samples. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration also tested three samples, which showed the absence of diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Meanwhile, NIV Pune’s investigation confirmed leptospirosis infection in one case.
The Health Ministry stated that testing of water, mosquito and other carrier samples, and respiratory tract samples is ongoing. A multidisciplinary team comprising the NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur, and state health officials is investigating all possible causes. The Ministry also provided information on the child deaths in Rajasthan. Regarding these cases, the Ministry stated that the syrup linked to the deaths did not contain propylene glycol. The syrup was based on dextromethorphan, which is not recommended for children.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued advice on the judicious use of cough syrups for children. Health experts have advised against giving cough and cold medicines to children under two years of age.
Sale of Coldrif Cough Syrup Banned in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of the cough syrup Coldrif. The state government took this step in light of the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, amid concerns about the drug’s potential harm. An official from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department stated that the drug’s sale has been banned across Tamil Nadu from October 1st, and an order has been issued to remove it from the market. The official stated that over the past two days, the company’s production facility in Sunguvarchatram (Kanchipuram district) was inspected and samples were collected. These samples will be sent to government laboratories to determine the presence of a harmful chemical called diethylene glycol. This chemical can cause serious harm to the body and has previously been implicated in drug-related tragedies. According to sources, the company also supplies its drugs to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry. Coldrif consignments are now being tested in these states as well. The Tamil Nadu government has stated that public safety is a top priority and that any suspicious drug will not be allowed to remain on the market.
Earlier, the Medical and Health Department in Rajasthan, in addition to taking necessary action in the case, also issued an advisory regarding adherence to protocols in prescribing, providing prescription-only medications to patients, and ensuring that patients do not consume medications without medical advice. The advisory states that all doctors should ensure complete adherence to the advisory when prescribing medications. The prescribed protocol should be followed when prescribing medications to children. Patients should not consume medications without medical advice. The Director of Public Health stated that for information on prevention, treatment, and other common diseases, including seasonal illnesses, the state-level control room number 0141-2225624 can be contacted at any time.
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