The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly condemned the arrest of a pediatrician in Madhya Pradesh following the deaths of several children allegedly linked to a contaminated cough syrup. The IMA has called the arrest an example of "legal illiteracy" on the part of the police and authorities.

The tragedy unfolded in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, where at least 14 children have died after consuming 'Coldrif' cough syrup. Preliminary investigations suggest that the syrup was adulterated with diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical that can cause kidney failure and death. The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sri San Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Praveen Soni, a pediatrician who prescribed the syrup to many of the affected children, has been arrested and charged with negligence causing death and adulteration of drugs. The FIR also names the directors of Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

The IMA has reacted sharply to the arrest, calling it unjust and demanding immediate action against the actual culprits, including the pharmaceutical company and regulatory bodies. The association argues that doctors prescribe medicines in good faith based on available formulations and should not be held responsible for manufacturing lapses. They emphasize that a prescribing doctor has no way of knowing whether a medicine is contaminated until adverse outcomes are reported.

"The cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh and the subsequent arrest of the doctor who prescribed the same is a classical example of legal illiteracy of the officials and the police," the IMA said in a press release. The IMA believes the arrest is an attempt to divert attention from the faults of regulatory bodies and the concerned pharmaceutical company.

Several other organizations have also voiced their support for Dr. Soni. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has demanded a fair probe and the immediate release of the doctor, stating that doctors cannot be held responsible for manufacturing lapses.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into the matter. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the deaths. The SIT will also visit Tamil Nadu, where Coldrif was manufactured. The government has suspended several officials, including the Deputy Controller and two drug inspectors of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called for stricter drug regulations. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments, directing them to investigate the deaths of children allegedly due to contaminated cough syrup.

This tragedy has exposed critical failures in India's drug regulatory system. The IMA has cited the 2003 Mashelkar report, which warned that India's drug control system lacked testing labs and trained inspectors. The incident has also highlighted the gaps in Chhindwara's health infrastructure.

As investigations continue, families of the deceased are demanding justice and accountability. The focus remains on identifying the lapses that led to this tragedy and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.