The "syrup toll" in Madhya Pradesh has tragically risen to 14, prompting swift action from authorities. The crisis, stemming from the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, has led to the arrest of a doctor and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The doctor, identified as Praveen Soni, a paediatrician at the Civil Hospital in the Parasia sub-division of Chhindwara district, was taken into custody on allegations of prescribing the adulterated syrup to many of the deceased children at his private clinic. Dr. Soni has also been suspended from his government post. A case has been registered against him and Srisan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif syrup.
The SIT has been formed to investigate the case thoroughly, with plans to travel to Tamil Nadu soon. Their investigation will focus on Srisan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The team will aim to uncover the full scale of the negligence and potential violations that led to the distribution of the contaminated drug.
The catalyst for this crisis is the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the Coldrif syrup. Tests conducted by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department revealed a dangerously high concentration of DEG, measuring 48.6%, far exceeding the permissible limit of 0.01%. DEG is a toxic chemical typically used in industrial solvents and can cause kidney failure and death if ingested.
In response to the rising death toll and the confirmation of adulteration, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup and all other products manufactured by Srisan Pharmaceuticals. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have been instructed to seize existing stocks, prevent further sales, and collect samples from other batches for testing.
The affected children, all under the age of five, were residents of villages in the Parasia tehsil of Chhindwara. They initially presented with symptoms of cold and mild fever and were treated with cough syrups, including Coldrif, prescribed by local doctors at private clinics. Their condition soon deteriorated, leading to reduced urine output and acute kidney complications. Samples from the affected children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for further analysis. Kidney biopsies also revealed the presence of diethylene glycol contamination.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated risk-based inspections at the manufacturing units of 19 drugs, including cough syrups and antibiotics, across six states. The Union Health Ministry convened a video conference with principal secretaries, health secretaries, and drug controllers from all states and Union Territories to discuss the rational use of cough syrups and drug quality. The Union Health Ministry has also sought strict compliance from all drug manufacturers, in line with the revised Schedule M norms for pharmaceutical products in India and has warned that licences of non-compliant units would be cancelled.
The incident has triggered a nationwide alert, with states like Kerala and Telangana also banning the sale of Coldrif syrup. The Tamil Nadu government imposed an immediate production ban on Srisan Pharmaceuticals.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed grief over the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the deceased children. The state government will also bear the cost of treatment for children still under care.
