Post by : Rameen Ariff

In Madhya Pradesh, India, a tragic incident involving cough syrups has claimed the lives of 16 children, exposing serious gaps in drug testing and safety regulations. The tragedy first emerged in Chhindwara district in late August, when children under the age of five, suffering from mild coughs, colds, and fever, were administered commonly prescribed cough syrups, including Coldrif and Nextro-DS. Within days, their symptoms worsened, urine output decreased, and they were diagnosed with acute kidney infections. Despite undergoing dialysis in nearby hospitals, the children ultimately died, some even in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Investigations revealed that the children's kidneys contained diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical often associated with pharmaceutical poisoning. Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, was later confirmed to contain 48.6% diethylene glycol, a substance used in industrial products like printing ink, brake fluid, and adhesives. Even small amounts of this chemical can be fatal to children, leading to nausea, abdominal pain, acute kidney failure, and death.

Families of the victims recounted the horror of seeing their children deteriorate despite following doctors' prescriptions. Some parents sold land, mortgaged property, or sold vehicles to fund treatment, only to lose their children. For example, Yasin Khan, father of three-year-old Usaid, sold his auto-rickshaw and spent over Rs 4 lakh trying to save his son. Similarly, Prakash Yaduvanshi, a father of a seven-year-old victim, mortgaged his farm and borrowed money, ultimately losing his child despite all efforts.

Initially, Madhya Pradesh officials, including Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, denied any link between cough syrups and the deaths, claiming that preliminary tests found no contamination. However, testing by Tamil Nadu drug control authorities later confirmed high levels of diethylene glycol in Coldrif syrup, prompting a statewide ban on its sale.

The central government has since intervened, urging states and Union Territories to ensure the "rational" use of cough syrups, particularly for children. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized that most childhood coughs are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological treatment. The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Directorate General of Health Services have recommended stricter oversight and advised against prescribing combination drug syrups for children due to their potential harmful side effects.

The incident has sparked nationwide concern about drug safety, especially for vulnerable children. The World Health Organization reports that cough syrups contaminated with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol have caused over 300 child deaths globally since 2022, including similar tragedies in Gambia, Jammu and Kashmir, and other regions of India. Families affected in Madhya Pradesh are now seeking justice, demanding accountability for the loss of their children, while the state government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh per child.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for strict regulatory oversight, proper drug testing, and public awareness regarding the safe use of medications for children. It serves as a stark reminder that even commonly prescribed medicines can be deadly if contaminated or misused, highlighting the importance of ensuring pharmaceutical safety and protecting children's health across India.

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