Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 5: Amid rising concerns over the safety and quality of cough syrups, especially for children, the Union Health Ministry on Sunday directed all states and Union Territories to ensure rational and cautious use of such medications. The move comes in the wake of recent reports linking contaminated syrups to child fatalities in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
Chairing a high-level meeting, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed drug quality compliance and stressed that most childhood coughs are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological treatment. The directive follows a review by health minister J.P. Nadda, who instructed that the issue be urgently addressed with state health authorities.
The alert was triggered by a cluster of child deaths flagged by the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit in Nagpur under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. A central team of experts—including epidemiologists, microbiologists, and drug inspectors—was dispatched to Chhindwara and Nagpur for an in-depth investigation, in coordination with state authorities.
Out of 19 medicinal samples collected, 10 have undergone chemical testing so far. While nine met the required quality standards, one sample—‘Coldrif’ cough syrup—was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) beyond permissible limits. Regulatory action has since been taken against the manufacturer based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The CDSCO has recommended cancellation of the company’s manufacturing licence, and criminal proceedings have been initiated.
The Health Ministry has now reiterated the need for strict adherence to the Revised Schedule M guidelines by all drug manufacturers. States have been urged to strengthen drug surveillance, ensure prompt reporting of adverse events, and enforce the advisory on the rational use of cough syrups issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Authorities have also been asked to ramp up coordination, enhance disease surveillance, and increase community awareness to ensure timely response to unusual health events and prevent further incidents.