Hyderabad: A nationwide alarm over contaminated medicines deepened as the Coldrif cough syrup ban spread from Tamil Nadu to Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Authorities confirmed that the syrup contained excessive diethylene glycol — a toxic substance that caused kidney failure in children.
In Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, 10 children aged one to five lost their lives over the past four weeks. Tamil Nadu, where the Coldrif cough syrup was manufactured in Kanchipuram, was the first to halt its production and sale after receiving test reports from Madhya Pradesh authorities.
CDSCO and states coordinate crackdown
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) launched simultaneous inspections across six states, targeting 19 companies that manufacture cough syrups and antibiotics. The aim is to detect the lapses that led to contamination and improve safety compliance.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan banned Jaipur-based Kasons Pharma after its Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide syrup caused two child deaths in Bharatpur and Sikar. The state suspended its Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma for clearing the company earlier.
The Union Health Ministry also issued an advisory recommending that cough syrups should not be given to children below two years, and only cautiously to those under five. DGHS expert Dr. Sunita Sharma emphasized strict dosage control and medical supervision to prevent further tragedies.
