Why Did the Rajasthan Government Ban a Cough Syrup?
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan government has taken decisive action by banning a cough syrup linked to severe adverse reactions among patients. Following alarming reports from Bharatpur and Sikar, the authorities are prioritizing public health by investigating and ensuring drug safety. This incident has raised urgent concerns about the quality of medications distributed under government health schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan government acts swiftly to protect public health.
- Cough syrup banned after adverse reactions reported.
- Investigation into drug safety is ongoing.
- Patients advised to stop using affected batches.
- Commitment to strict quality control remains a priority.
Jaipur, Sep 29 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has imposed a ban on the distribution and usage of a particular batch of cough syrup after reports of patients in Bharatpur and Sikar districts experiencing adverse effects, such as vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, restlessness, and even unconsciousness.
Statutory samples of the medication have been collected and sent to the State Drug Testing Laboratory for thorough quality analysis.
Following the complaints, Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar instructed RMSCL to conduct an immediate investigation and take swift action. In response to this directive, RMSCL has suspended the use of Dextromethorphan HBr Syrup IP 13.5mg/5ml (Batch No. 440) pending test results.
Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, confirmed that Drug Control Officers have collected statutory samples and sent them to the laboratory for further evaluation. She indicated that additional measures will be implemented based on the test outcomes.
Moreover, RMSCL has also prohibited the distribution of 19 other batches of the same medication supplied by the manufacturer. RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sain emphasized the rigorous quality control protocols established under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme.
Every batch of medicine supplied is subjected to testing in authorized laboratories, and only those meeting the necessary standards are permitted for hospital use. If any batch fails to meet these standards, it is prohibited from distribution. In instances where complaints arise, drugs are retested at the State Drug Testing Laboratory to ensure public safety. Officials reiterated that safeguarding public health remains the government’s utmost priority and assured that appropriate regulatory actions will follow based on laboratory findings.
Patients are advised to immediately cease using the affected batches until further notice. This incident has raised significant concerns about drug safety standards; however, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to stringent monitoring and prompt corrective actions to protect patients.
A tragic incident involving a 5-year-old child who died after reportedly consuming the cough syrup provided under the government’s free medicine scheme in Sikar district has exacerbated concerns. The family claims that the child, identified as Nityansh, stopped breathing immediately following the dosage.
Similar cases have emerged in Srimadhopur and Bharatpur. In Sikar, three children reportedly experienced illness after consuming the same cough syrup. Additionally, a doctor in Bharatpur who examined the children later suffered health complications after taking the medication.
The most recent incident occurred in Khori Brahmanan village of Sikar, where Nityansh’s family asserts that the cough syrup provided at a government hospital was directly responsible for his sudden death.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the serious implications of this incident. The ban imposed by the Rajasthan government reflects a proactive approach to public health amidst rising concerns over drug safety. This situation emphasizes the need for stringent monitoring and quality control in pharmaceutical distribution, ensuring that citizens trust the medications they receive.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the ban on the cough syrup in Rajasthan?
The ban was initiated after patients in Bharatpur and Sikar reported adverse reactions such as vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, and unconsciousness.
What actions has the Rajasthan government taken regarding the cough syrup?
The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation has banned the distribution of one batch of the cough syrup and has suspended 19 other batches from the same manufacturer.
What are the symptoms reported by patients?
Patients reported symptoms including vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, restlessness, and unconsciousness.
Has there been any fatalities associated with the syrup?
Yes, a 5-year-old child tragically died after reportedly consuming the cough syrup.
What measures are being taken to ensure drug safety?
The government has emphasized strict quality control procedures, including testing every batch in approved laboratories before distribution.
