Bhopal, Oct 6 (NationPress) Following a critical health emergency tied to the intake of Coldrif syrup in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has enacted prompt and firm measures.

Leading a high-level meeting at his residence in Bhopal on Monday, Dr Yadav reaffirmed the government's steadfast dedication to public health, asserting that no negligence would be accepted when lives are at risk.

In a direct response, three officials—Chhindwara Drug Inspector Gaurav Sharma, Jabalpur Drug Inspector Sharad Kumar Jain, and Deputy Director of the Food and Drug Administration Shobhit Costa—were suspended.

Additionally, Drug Controller Dinesh Maurya was reassigned, highlighting the administration's resolve to ensure accountability, as stated in a government announcement post-meeting.

The Chief Minister mandated a total prohibition on the distribution of Coldrif syrup and directed officials to confiscate all remaining stock from pharmacies. A community outreach initiative will be initiated in Chhindwara and neighboring districts to retrieve the syrup from households. ASHA and Usha workers, alongside government personnel, will be mobilized for this undertaking.

This initiative will also encompass a comprehensive inspection of other medications sold in the area, guaranteeing correct labeling and compliance with safety standards. Medical practitioners found prescribing combination drugs to children under four years of age will face legal consequences.

To avert future occurrences, Dr Yadav urged collaboration with medical organizations such as the Indian Association of Paediatrics and the Chemist Association. He highlighted the importance of widespread awareness and preventive measures.

Moreover, the Tamil Nadu government—where the syrup's manufacturer is located—has been alerted to take necessary actions. A contingent of doctors from the state, along with specialists from the National Centre for Disease Control and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, has been dispatched to Chhindwara.

Samples from eight patients and various medications have been sent to Pune for analysis. Affected individuals were identified through surveys and directed to the Government Medical College, Nagpur, for further treatment. Local restrictions and inspections of hospitals and pharmacies were promptly implemented, according to the statement.

The Drug Controller General of India and officials in Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been informed.

After the Tamil Nadu Drug Controller declared Coldrif samples invalid, the syrup was prohibited throughout Madhya Pradesh. A doctor associated with widespread prescriptions has been suspended, and a First Information Report has been filed against the manufacturer.