What Happened During CM Mohan Yadav's Visit to Nagpur?
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav's urgent visit to Nagpur reveals the tragic consequences of a toxic cough syrup. With the death toll rising, the government faces intense scrutiny and takes decisive action against those responsible. This unfolding crisis highlights the critical need for stringent pharmaceutical regulations and public awareness campaigns.
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Yadav visited Nagpur to assess the health of children affected by toxic cough syrup.
- The death toll from the Coldrif incident has reached 22.
- Authorities have arrested the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
- The syrup contained diethylene glycol, a harmful chemical.
- Government officials have been suspended to address accountability.
Bhopal/Nagpur, Oct 9 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited hospitals in Nagpur on Thursday to assess the health of children affected by a toxic cough syrup. During his tour, he stopped by several facilities including the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Health City Hospital, and a government medical college, where five children from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, are undergoing treatment.
Throughout his visit, Chief Minister Yadav engaged with the medical professionals responsible for the care of these children and their families. He emphasized the need to prioritize the children's lives, promising that the Madhya Pradesh government would extend all necessary support.
“The Madhya Pradesh government stands with the families in distress. I have directed officials to keep a close watch on the children being treated in Nagpur's hospitals. I received detailed updates about their treatment,” Yadav posted on X, accompanied by images from his hospital visit.
The situation has escalated, as the death toll from the Coldrif cough syrup incident in Chhindwara has reached 22, following the passing of five-year-old Mayank Suryavanshi on Thursday.
Mayank, hailing from Khajri Antu village, was transferred to a Nagpur hospital in critical condition and tragically succumbed late Wednesday night due to suspected kidney failure.
Authorities have confirmed that Mayank's death is associated with the ingestion of Coldrif, a syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals based in Tamil Nadu.
The cough syrup has been identified to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a hazardous industrial solvent known to cause severe kidney injury and death, particularly in children.
This catastrophe has sparked a significant investigation and public outcry. The Madhya Pradesh Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the fatalities and have detained Ranganathan Govindrajan, the owner of Sresan Pharma, in Chennai.
The drug manufacturing facility in Kanchipuram has been shut down, and authorities are working to obtain a transit remand for Govindan to bring him to Chhindwara for additional questioning.
In light of the rising death toll, the Madhya Pradesh government has suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration. The state drug controller has also been reassigned.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who visited Nagpur on Tuesday, also dismissed Naresh Gonnade, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Chhindwara, on Wednesday.
The Coldrif syrup was reportedly administered to children suffering from common colds and coughs. However, laboratory analyses revealed dangerously elevated levels of DEG and other prohibited chemical mixtures, including Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Phenylephrine, which lacked warning labels and pose severe health threats.
Despite a central directive issued in 2023 prohibiting such formulations for children under four, enforcement has been inadequate. Numerous pharmaceutical companies have neglected to update product labels, and state authorities have failed to launch sufficient public awareness initiatives.
Point of View
It is imperative for both government and pharmaceutical companies to strengthen oversight and ensure the safety of medications. This incident raises questions about regulatory compliance and the necessity for vigilant public health policies. The nation stands with the affected families during this difficult time.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the children's health crisis?
The health crisis was caused by the consumption of a toxic cough syrup known as Coldrif, which contained harmful substances.
How many children have been affected?
As of now, the death toll linked to the cough syrup tragedy has risen to 22.
What actions has the government taken?
The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended drug inspectors, formed a Special Investigation Team, and arrested the pharma company owner.
What is diethylene glycol, and why is it dangerous?
Diethylene glycol is a toxic industrial solvent that can cause acute kidney damage and is particularly harmful to children.
What measures are being implemented to prevent future incidents?
The government is reviewing regulations and increasing monitoring of pharmaceutical products to ensure safety and compliance.
