A devastating incident in Madhya Pradesh has resulted in 20 child cough syrup deaths, following the consumption of contaminated Coldrif cough syrup. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed the rising death toll on Wednesday. This alarming situation highlights critical issues regarding drug safety and prescribing practices for pediatric patients across the state. Currently, five children are receiving treatment for complications arising from the syrup consumption.
Contamination and Regulatory Action
The tragic child cough syrup deaths include 17 children from Chhindwara district, two from Betul district, and one from Pandhurna district. Lab tests confirmed the Coldrif syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical, at 48.6 percent. Diethylene glycol is an industrial solvent known to cause acute kidney failure and death when ingested. In response, the state government has initiated strict action. Police teams from Chhindwara traveled to Chennai and Kanchipuram to apprehend the owner of the Coldrif manufacturing company, Sresan Pharmaceuticals. The state has also banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup and other medicines from the same company.
Advisory Against Cough Syrups for Young Children
Amidst this crisis, medical authorities are emphasizing caution regarding pediatric cough syrup use. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have advised against prescribing cough syrups, or any combination of drugs, for children less than four years old. For children below two years, cough and cold medications are generally not recommended at all. Experts highlight that most coughs in children are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological treatment, and these medications carry significant risks. Doctors are urged to adhere to the government’s advisory and exercise rational use of cough syrups for the pediatric population.
Doctor’s Arrest and Medical Community Response
The incident led to the arrest of Dr. Praveen Soni, a government pediatrician at Civil Hospital, Parasia, Chhindwara, who had prescribed the Coldrif syrup to some of the affected children. Dr. Soni was suspended and subsequently sent to 14-day judicial custody. Consequently, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Chhindwara district organized a protest, demanding his release. IMA representatives warned of an indefinite strike if their demands were not met, underscoring the tension between regulatory action and the medical community’s concerns.
Government Support for Affected Children
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla visited Nagpur to meet the five children currently undergoing treatment. He assured families that all possible efforts are being made to save the children’s lives, with two children at Government Medical College, two at AIIMS, and one in a private hospital. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav previously directed that the state government would bear the entire expense of treatment for the children affected by kidney infections caused by the cough syrup. A joint team of executive magistrates and doctors has also been deployed in Nagpur to ensure proper medical arrangements and continuous monitoring of the children, maintaining coordination with their families and hospital management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What caused the child cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh?
The deaths were caused by Coldrif cough syrup, which laboratory tests confirmed contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical that leads to acute kidney failure.
Q2: What is the current advisory regarding cough syrup use for children in India?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and DGHS advise against prescribing cough syrups or any combination of drugs for children under four years old. For those under two, these medications are generally not recommended.
Q3: What actions have been taken against the manufacturer of Coldrif syrup?
Police teams have been dispatched to arrest the owner of the Coldrif manufacturing company, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, located in Tamil Nadu. The state government has also banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup and other products from the company.
References
- Death toll due to Coldrif cough syrup rises to 20 in Madhya Pradesh – ETHealthworld
- Been prescribing Coldrif for 10 years: Doctor arrested in cough syrup deaths case. India Today.
- Dr Praveen Soni: 11 children deaths in MP, Doctor who prescribed ‘poisoned’ cough syrup arrested; Tamil Nadu-based firm booked | Bhopal News – The Times of India. The Times of India.
- Cough syrup death toll rises to 20 in Madhya Pradesh – The Hindu. The Hindu.
- Rajasthan rejects link between Coldrif cough syrup & child deaths, MP bans products of three companies – Pharmabiz.com. Pharmabiz.com.
- A spoonful of death: How a cough syrup turned deadly for 17 children in Madhya Pradesh. Newslaundry.
- Cough syrup deaths: Ensure drug manufacturers comply with Revised Schedule M norms, govt to states – The Economic Times. The Economic Times.
- Centre warns against cough syrups for children under 2 years after deaths in two states. The Economic Times.
- Now, 12 kids’ deaths linked to cough syrup in MP, Raj; Centre issues advisory | India News. The Times of India.
- Centre issues advisory not to prescribe or dispense cough, cold medications to children below two years, amid child deaths in two states – Newsonair. Newsonair.
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