Public Health Alert Issued as Contaminated Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths
A public health crisis is unfolding as at least 14 children have died in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly after consuming a contaminated batch of Coldrif cough syrup. An investigation revealed the syrup contained toxic Diethylene Glycol, leading to kidney failure. A doctor has been arrested and an FIR filed against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer. The events have triggered nationwide alerts, with states like Karnataka and Telangana issuing urgent advisories against the indiscriminate use of cough syrups for children and launching testing drives.
Unpacked:
Diethylene Glycol is a toxic chemical often used in industrial products, but it should never be present in medicines. Ingesting it can cause severe kidney failure and has been responsible for mass poisonings in several countries when accidentally or illegally used in pharmaceuticals.
Government investigations have produced conflicting findings. While initial reports linked deaths to contaminated syrup, later tests by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation found no contamination in the samples from Madhya Pradesh, leaving the cause of deaths under further investigation.
Authorities have arrested a doctor, filed charges against the manufacturer, sealed suspected stocks, and issued nationwide advisories. States like Karnataka and Telangana have launched testing drives and urged caution in prescribing cough syrups to children.
India has experienced previous deadly incidents involving contaminated medicines, including cough syrups. Such cases often arise from poor manufacturing practices, lack of stringent oversight, and the use of toxic solvents, leading to public health crises and regulatory action.