In a grave development following the tragic deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to contaminated cough syrup, the World Health Organization (WHO) has now identified three specific cough syrup brands available in India that are considered unsafe. The WHO has alerted health authorities globally to be vigilant and report any findings of these products in their respective countries.
Among the syrups under scrutiny is the notorious Coldrif, which has drawn significant public backlash after being implicated in the recent child fatalities. The WHO’s advisory reportedly names specific batches of Coldrif manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma, as containing harmful contaminants.
Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Tamil Nadu, has already faced severe repercussions, with its manufacturing license being revoked. Laboratory tests had previously revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) – a toxic chemical linked to mass poisoning incidents – in the Coldrif syrup. This contamination is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least 22 children, primarily in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district.
Indian Authorities’ Response to WHO
In response to the WHO’s concerns, Indian health officials, through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), reportedly informed the global health body that the identified syrups contained diethylene glycol at levels nearly 500 times the permissible limit. These toxic syrups were administered to children under five years old, leading to the fatalities in Madhya Pradesh.
Crucially, Indian health authorities have confirmed that these contaminated medicines were not exported from India. The United States has also verified that it did not receive any shipments of these toxic cough syrups.
The Tragic Impact of Contaminated Cough Syrup
The Coldrif cough syrup incident, originating from Tamil Nadu, caused widespread alarm. Subsequent investigations and tests confirmed the dangerous levels of diethylene glycol, far exceeding the safe limit of 0.1%. This discovery led to the revocation of Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing license and the arrest of its owner, G Ranganathan. Authorities also initiated inspections of other pharmaceutical manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.
In light of these events, the government has issued advisories to states and union territories, cautioning healthcare professionals against prescribing cough syrups to young children. The guidelines emphasize that these medications should not be given to children under two years old and are generally not recommended for those under five, to prevent future tragedies.
Related Links:
- How a Toxic Cough Syrup Led to Sresan Pharmaceuticals Shutdown: Coldrif Timeline
- Cough Syrup Deaths: ED Raids Chennai Locations Over Money Laundering Probe
- Was Cough Syrup Coldrif Sent to Other Countries? WHO Asks India After Deaths of 22 Children
- TN Shuts Down Pharma Firm Linked to Cough Syrup Deaths