The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup following the deaths of 11 children in Chhindwara district, who suffered acute kidney injury (AKI). The children, mostly under five years old, were reportedly administered Coldrif as part of their treatment for mild fever and cough. The ban also extends to all medicines manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, whose factory in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, produced the contaminated batch.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh to each affected family and assured the state would cover medical expenses for children still undergoing treatment. He emphasized a strict investigation and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable.
Laboratory tests conducted by Tamil Nadu authorities found 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney and liver failure — in samples from Coldrif syrup batches. DEG contamination is believed to have caused the deaths. While samples collected within Madhya Pradesh tested negative so far, inspections at the manufacturing facility revealed major violations of drug safety regulations, including use of non-pharmacopoeial ingredients.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched risk-based inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing units in six states following this tragedy, underscoring concerns over quality control. Similar bans and suspension orders have been issued by Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, raising calls for stricter regulation of cough syrups prescribed to children nationwide.
This incident echoes global health warnings related to DEG contamination linked to fatal poisoning outbreaks in medicines. Health authorities urge caution and close monitoring of pharmaceutical supply chains to prevent further tragedies.
