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| Coldrif cough syrup |
In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, 14 small Children died after consuming a cough syrup called Coldrif. The syrup was given to them for cold and fever. Soon after, the children developed kidney problems. Their urine output stopped and they became very weak. Doctors later confirmed that they had suffered acute renal failure.
A laboratory test revealed the truth. The cough syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol. This is a poisonous chemical. It is normally used in brake fluid and anti-freeze. It is not safe for human use. When taken, it damages the kidneys and can cause death.
The medicine was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Tamil Nadu. After the test results came out, the Madhya Pradesh government banned Coldrif. They also banned all other medicines made by the same company. Drug inspectors were told to seize stocks from shops and warehouses.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, expressed deep sorrow. He announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each of the families who lost their children. The government also said it will pay for the treatment of children who are still in hospital.
The tragedy shocked the country. Other states like Kerala and Rajasthan also stopped the sale of Coldrif. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation began inspections at drug factories in six states. These include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Officials are testing cough syrups, antibiotics and other medicines from many companies.
The Union Health Ministry said experts from ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur, NEERI and CDSCO are studying the case. They are checking samples to find the exact cause of deaths. Some other tested samples were free from poison. But the Coldrif batch linked to the deaths was found to be highly contaminated.
Doctors have been asked not to give cough syrup to children below two years of age. Pharmacies were told not to sell the syrup even on prescription. This is because cough syrups can be harmful if not tested and regulated properly.
The children who died were all below five years old. They lived in villages of Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh. They were first given the syrup for mild fever and cough. But instead of getting better, they became very sick. In just a few days, their kidneys stopped working. Eleven died in Madhya Pradesh and three died in Rajasthan.
The deaths have raised many questions. How did such a dangerous chemical enter a children’s medicine? Why were the safety checks not done in time? Could the tragedy have been prevented? These questions are still being investigated.
This tragedy has shown the risk of poor quality control in medicines. A cough syrup is supposed to cure, not kill. But in this case, it became a poison. Parents across India are now scared to give cough syrup to their children.
The investigation continues, but one fact is clear: the 14 Children died because the cough syrup they were given was contaminated with a toxic chemical that should never have been in medicine.
More:
1. 14 Children Die After Consuming Cough Syrup
2. No Cough Syrup Under 2 Years Children Health Ministry Issues Advisory