Is a Multidisciplinary Team Investigating the Cough Syrup Deaths in MP and Rajasthan?
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Synopsis
In response to alarming reports of cough syrup-related child fatalities, the government has mobilized a team of experts to investigate the presence of toxic chemicals. As concerns mount over the safety of medications, the initiative aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure drug safety across India.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation ongoing: A multidisciplinary team is assessing the cause of deaths.
- High toxicity discovered: Cough syrups contained diethylene glycol beyond safe limits.
- Production halted: The manufacturer has been ordered to cease production of the contaminated syrup.
- Statewide ban enacted: Tamil Nadu has banned the cough syrup across the state.
- Safety inspections initiated: Authorities are inspecting manufacturing sites nationwide.
New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Following the discovery of the highly toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) in samples of cough syrups produced by a drug manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, the Union government has announced that a multidisciplinary team including experts from central agencies like NIV, ICMR, and CDSCO is currently investigating the cause of the tragic deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In recent weeks, approximately nine children have tragically died in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, while two children lost their lives in Rajasthan—one in Bharatpur and another in Sikar—after consuming counterfeit cough syrup that may have led to suspected kidney failure.
The Ministry of Health stated, "A multidisciplinary team consisting of experts from NIV, ICMR, NEERI, CDSCO, and AIIMS, Nagpur, is diligently analyzing various samples and factors to determine the cause of these fatalities."
Following a probe initiated by the Tamil Nadu FDA at the request of the MP government, it was revealed that the cough syrups contained DEG levels that exceeded permissible limits.
“At the request of the MP government, the Tamil Nadu FDA collected samples of Coldrif Cough Syrup from the manufacturing site of Sresan Pharma located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The analysis showed that the samples contained DEG levels exceeding the legal limits,” the Ministry reported.
The company has been instructed to clarify the findings and halt production until further instructions are provided.
Prior to this, the Tamil Nadu government had enacted a statewide ban on the Coldrif cough syrup brand effective from October 1, amid fears that the medication may be linked to the deaths of at least 11 children across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Health officials have also cleared the syrup from local markets to mitigate further risks.
According to authorities, the same manufacturer had distributed its cough syrups to multiple states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry, raising alarms about the potential spread of this hazardous product.
The Ministry highlighted that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had previously collected six samples, all of which tested negative for the toxic chemicals DEG and ethylene glycol (EG).
Simultaneously, the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (MPFDA) collected 13 samples, three of which were analyzed and confirmed to be free of any contaminants.
Meanwhile, the government has commenced a risk-based inspection of the manufacturing sites of all 19 sampled drugs across six states.
“This initiative will help identify the gaps leading to quality failures in drug samples and propose improvements to prevent such incidents in the future,” the Ministry added.
Point of View
I believe that ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals is paramount. The government’s swift action in forming a multidisciplinary team demonstrates a commitment to accountability and public health. It’s critical that rigorous inspections and regulations are enforced to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found in the cough syrups?
The cough syrups contained high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical.
How many children died due to the cough syrup?
At least 11 children have died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming the contaminated syrup.
What actions have been taken by the government?
The government has formed a multidisciplinary team to investigate and has suspended production of the affected syrup.
Where were the cough syrups produced?
The cough syrups were manufactured by Sresan Pharma, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
What is being done to prevent further incidents?
Health authorities are conducting inspections and have banned the cough syrup from the market.
