Should Children Under 12 Be Given Medicines Without a Doctor's Prescription?
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Synopsis
Kerala's Health Minister has taken a strong stance against administering medications to children under 12 without a doctor’s prescription. This move aims to enhance safety and prevent misuse, following recommendations from an expert committee. The state is committed to educating parents and ensuring proper guidelines are established for children's medications.
Key Takeaways
- Strict prescription requirement for children under 12.
- New guidelines on cough medicines are forthcoming.
- Increased awareness campaigns for parents.
- Collaboration with pediatricians for safe prescribing.
- Suspension of problematic cough syrup sales.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (NationPress) Kerala's Health Minister Veena George has issued a stern reminder that children under the age of 12 must not receive any medications without a valid prescription from a doctor, highlighting the dangers associated with improper dosing and potential misuse.
She announced that the state intends to publish specific guidelines regarding the administration of cough medications for children, following recommendations from a specialized committee.
A committee of three members, including the State Drugs Controller, the Child Health Nodal Officer, and the State President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), has been assigned to examine the matter and present an urgent report.
“Old prescriptions should never be used to medicate children. Dosage levels are based on weight, and administering medicine prescribed for one child to another can be harmful,” the minister cautioned.
The Drugs Controller has been directed to enhance awareness campaigns aimed at parents and the general public.
A high-level meeting led by the minister confirmed that there have been no reports of adverse incidents involving cough syrup in children within Kerala.
The government remains committed to ongoing public education and has instructed the Drugs Controller to investigate any reported cases.
In collaboration with the IAP, pediatricians and other healthcare providers will also undergo training on safe prescribing practices.
This announcement follows inspections conducted by the State Drugs Control Department.
The sale of Coldrif syrup (SR 13 batch) has been halted in Kerala after issues were reported in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry.
A problematic batch of cough syrup was also identified in Rajasthan.
Officials confirmed that these batches were neither distributed nor sold in Kerala, and all distribution through the eight local distributors has been suspended.
The meeting included senior officials from the Health Department and the IAP President. Minister Veena George reiterated the state's commitment to ensuring children's safety while providing clear instructions to both doctors and parents regarding the responsible use of medications.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge Kerala's proactive approach in safeguarding children's health. By enforcing strict guidelines on medication prescriptions, the state demonstrates its commitment to preventing adverse health incidents and promoting responsible healthcare practices. The collaboration with expert committees and ongoing public education is vital in ensuring parents are well-informed.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a prescription necessary for children under 12?
A prescription is essential to ensure that children receive the correct dosage tailored to their weight and health condition, minimizing the risk of misuse and harmful side effects.
What are the new guidelines regarding cough medicines?
The state will release specific guidelines on cough medicines for children based on recommendations from a specialized committee to enhance safety and proper usage.
What actions are being taken to educate parents?
The Drugs Controller is launching awareness campaigns aimed at educating parents about the risks of administering medications without professional guidance.
Have there been any incidents related to cough medicines in children?
As of now, there have been no reported adverse incidents involving cough syrups in children in Kerala, according to government officials.
What has been done regarding problematic cough syrup batches?
The sale of specific cough syrup batches has been suspended, and all distributions have been halted to ensure public safety.
