Has toxic cough syrup claimed another life in Nagpur hospital, raising the toll to 22?
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Synopsis
The chilling story of a toxic cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh has led to the tragic death of a young boy, pushing the toll to 22. This incident highlights critical concerns about drug safety and regulatory failures in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll reached 22 due to toxic Coldrif cough syrup.
- Investigation launched with an arrested pharmaceutical owner.
- Kidney damage risk linked to diethylene glycol in syrup.
- Regulatory failures highlighted in drug safety oversight.
- Public outcry calls for stricter drug regulations.
Bhopal/Chhindwara, Oct 9 (NationPress) The tragic incident involving the contaminated Coldrif cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district has escalated the death toll to 22, with the recent loss of five-year-old Mayank Suryavanshi.
Mayank, hailing from Khajri Antu village, was rushed to a hospital in Nagpur in a dire state but unfortunately passed away late Wednesday night due to suspected kidney failure.
Authorities confirmed that Mayank’s demise is associated with the intake of Coldrif, a cough syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu. The syrup has been identified to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a hazardous industrial solvent that poses severe risks, particularly to children, including acute kidney damage and fatalities.
This incident has sparked a significant investigation and widespread public outrage. The Madhya Pradesh Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to scrutinize the deaths and have apprehended Ranganathan Govindrajan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, in Chennai.
The manufacturing facility in Kanchipuram has been shut down, and authorities are seeking transit remand to bring Govindan to Chhindwara for in-depth questioning.
In light of the increasing death toll, the Madhya Pradesh government has suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director from the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, the state’s drug controller has also been reassigned.
The deputy chief minister has dismissed Naresh Gonnade, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Chhindwara, on Wednesday. Additionally, Dr Praveen Soni from Parasia has been arrested for alleged negligence, prompting protests from the Indian Medical Association, which has threatened an indefinite strike in the area.
Coldrif syrup was reportedly recommended for children suffering from common colds and coughs. However, laboratory analyses disclosed dangerously elevated amounts of DEG along with other prohibited chemical combinations such as Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Phenylephrine, all lacking warning labels and posing serious health hazards.
Despite a central directive issued in 2023 prohibiting such formulations for children under four years old, enforcement has been inadequate. Numerous pharmaceutical companies have neglected to update product labels, and state authorities have failed to launch sufficient public awareness initiatives.
With several children still receiving treatment in hospitals in Nagpur, five of whom are in critical condition, the death toll may continue to climb. The Chhindwara incident has reignited serious concerns about drug safety, regulatory oversight, and accountability within India’s pharmaceutical industry.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight the critical need for stringent regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector. The ongoing tragedy in Chhindwara underscores systemic failures that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. We stand committed to advocating for accountability and the enforcement of drug safety standards.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths linked to Coldrif cough syrup?
The deaths are linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, which contains diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent that can lead to acute kidney damage.
What actions have been taken by authorities?
Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arrested the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, suspended drug inspectors, and sealed the manufacturing unit.
What are the health risks associated with DEG?
Diethylene glycol (DEG) poses severe health risks, particularly to children, including acute kidney failure and potentially fatal consequences.
What steps have been taken to ensure drug safety after this incident?
The Madhya Pradesh government is reviewing drug safety regulations, but enforcement of existing directives prohibiting certain formulations for young children has been inadequate.
What is the current status of the affected children?
Several children are still undergoing treatment in Nagpur hospitals, with five in critical condition.
