Hassan (Karnataka), Oct 6 (NationPress) In light of the recent cough syrup incidents in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Puducherry, Karnataka is on high alert. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced on Monday that samples from numerous pharmaceutical companies have been dispatched for testing.

At a press briefing in Chennarayapatna, Hassan, the minister reassured that no substandard cough syrups have been distributed in Karnataka.

Minister Rao emphasized, "As a precaution, we are collecting and testing samples of cough syrups from all companies. The health department is taking decisive action to ensure the safety of cough syrups in the state."

"The Drug Control Department has maintained vigilance since the onset of this issue and is currently evaluating a significant number of medications, with Karnataka leading the charge in this initiative. We expect results within two to three days," he stated.

"Across the nation, the highest number of samples has been gathered and sent for testing from Karnataka. We are at the forefront of this effort. I have contacted the Central government to advocate for transparency regarding drug-related matters. It is essential to share information among states, as manufacturers operate in various regions and distribute products nationwide. If a particular drug's samples are found unsafe in Karnataka, all states must be informed," Minister Rao remarked.

"Similarly, if any drug-related concerns arise in other states, that information should be promptly communicated to us. In this context, a dedicated website should be established to make such information readily available," he added.

"Today, our health department will issue advisories regarding the cautious use of cough syrup," he said.

The State Health Department has provided guidelines to its officials concerning cough syrup usage. “Samples from all cough syrup manufacturers are currently being gathered and analyzed,” Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed.

He noted that cough syrups implicated in child fatalities in other states have not been supplied in Karnataka. “No similar incidents have been reported here,” he clarified. He attributed the tragedies in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Puducherry to negligence from pharmaceutical manufacturing units.

The minister warned that banned substances were utilized in the production of those cough syrups and the quantities were excessive. Parents should exercise extreme caution when administering any cough syrup to children under five years old. He advised limiting cough syrup consumption.

Previously, a letter was sent to the Central government addressing issues of drug adulteration, counterfeit medicines, and the need for testing. The Health Minister urged the Centre to establish a dedicated website to facilitate rapid nationwide communication regarding drug adulteration cases.

He stressed the necessity for stringent laws to combat drug adulteration and called on the Centre to create an effective information-sharing mechanism among states.