Is the MP Cough Syrup Crisis Claiming More Lives? Death Toll Reaches 13 in Chhindwara as Another Toddler Dies in Nagpur
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The tragedy in Madhya Pradesh escalates as another child falls victim to the contaminated Coldrif cough syrup, bringing the death toll to 13. Families are devastated, and the government faces intense scrutiny over the safety of pharmaceutical products.
Key Takeaways
- Thirteen children have tragically died due to a contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh.
- The syrup contained lethal levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent.
- State authorities have initiated a ban on Sresan Pharmaceuticals and other implicated products.
- Governor has promised compensation and free treatment for affected families.
- An investigation is underway to uncover supply chain failures.
Chhindwara/Nagpur, Oct 7 (NationPress) In a tragic escalation of Madhya Pradesh's ongoing public health crisis, one-and-a-half-year-old Dhani Dehariya from Junapani village in Tamia tehsil lost her life at Nagpur's Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), succumbing to acute renal failure attributed to the contaminated Coldrif cough syrup.
"This marks the 13th confirmed child fatality," stated Naresh Gonnade, Chief Medical Health Officer of Chhindwara district, while speaking to IANS.
He remained silent when questioned about the syrup's involvement in the child's death, which has cast a shadow over the tribal regions of Chhindwara district, affecting young lives aged between one and eight years.
Despite this, the state government has not disclosed the precise number of fatalities linked to the toxic syrup.
Dhani, a fragile child suffering from a persistent cough and cold, was prescribed the "deadly" syrup by Praveen Soni during a consultation at his private clinic in Parasia just days prior to her health decline.
Her distraught parents rushed her to the local community health center on September 26 after she displayed symptoms of severe dehydration and oliguria—indicators of kidney failure.
"She was treated at Nagpur Medical College and died Monday night," the CMHO confirmed.
After being transferred to GMCH-Nagpur amid suspicions of poisoning, the toddler bravely battled for 11 days on dialysis and ventilator support before succumbing to multi-organ failure, as revealed by a doctor from Nagpur under anonymity.
Authorities confirmed the syrup's involvement through toxicology reports, indicating a concentration of diethylene glycol (DEG)—a dangerous industrial solvent found in brake fluids and antifreeze—at an alarming 48.6 percent, far above safe limits.
Soni, a government pediatrician at CHC Parasia who also practiced privately, has been detained by police since his arrest on October 5 under Sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide and drug adulteration.
An FIR at Parasia station also implicates Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, which has been blacklisted nationally.
Tests from Bhopal's Drug Testing Laboratory confirmed the contamination, leading Madhya Pradesh to ban all Sresan products and seize remaining stock.
Three additional cough syrups were flagged for similar DEG traces on Monday, expanding the investigation.
This incident recalls a darker chapter in history, reminiscent of the 1986 Mumbai hospital tragedy, where contaminated syrup resulted in the deaths of 14 children.
Over the past month, since late August, 16 earlier victims—primarily from Parasia and Tamia blocks—have also succumbed similarly, with ten treated in Nagpur alone.
Six more children remain in critical care at GMCH and various private facilities, three on ventilators, their tiny bodies ravaged by tubular kidney injuries confirmed via biopsies.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh per family and free treatment for survivors, pledging a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to uncover supply chain failures.
"This is unforgivable negligence; no child should suffer due to substandard drugs," he asserted.
In response, the state has suspended two drug inspectors, a deputy director, and transferred the drug controller, while Maharashtra and Punjab have enacted preventive bans on Coldrif.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated raids across six states, alerting practitioners to avoid pediatric syrups for children under five. Telangana's Drugs Control echoed this warning after linking three deaths in Rajasthan to the same crisis.
Point of View
We emphasize the pressing need for accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. The tragic loss of innocent lives must catalyze systemic reforms to ensure that such negligence never occurs again. Our commitment remains unwavering in advocating for the health and safety of our communities.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh?
The fatalities are linked to the contaminated Coldrif cough syrup, which contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic solvent.
How many children have died due to the contaminated syrup?
As of now, the death toll has tragically reached 13, with investigations ongoing.
What actions have been taken by the state government?
The government has banned Sresan Pharmaceuticals' products, suspended officials, and announced compensation for affected families.
What is diethylene glycol and why is it dangerous?
Diethylene glycol is a toxic industrial solvent that can cause severe kidney damage and other health issues when ingested.
What measures are in place to prevent future incidents?
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is conducting raids and calling for a review of pediatric syrups to ensure public safety.
