Madhya Pradesh Suspends Officials After Toxic Cough Syrup Deaths

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken decisive action following the tragic deaths of 14 children linked to a suspected toxic cough syrup. On October 16, 2023, authorities suspended two drug inspectors and a Deputy Director of the food and drug administration as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the suspensions of drug inspectors Gaurav Sharma and Sharad Kumar Jain, along with Deputy Director Shobhit Costa. These measures came after a high-level meeting where Yadav assessed the situation surrounding the cough syrup, identified as Coldrif, which has been linked to renal failure in children.

During his visit to Parasia, Yadav met with the families of the deceased children, expressing his condolences and assuring that strict action would be taken against those responsible. He emphasized that negligence would not be tolerated and instructed officials to confiscate any remaining stocks of Coldrif from local shops. Additionally, a recovery campaign is underway to retrieve the syrup from families in Chhindwara and surrounding areas.

The government has acted swiftly by banning the sale of Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Preliminary investigations revealed that samples of the syrup contained a highly toxic substance. The children who died were predominantly from the Parasia sub-division, with some cases reported from Chhindwara city and Chaurai tehsil.

Eight additional children remain hospitalized in Nagpur, receiving treatment at various facilities, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Following these developments, a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths, and Dr. Praveen Soni from Chhindwara has been arrested for alleged negligence.

In response to the crisis, Yadav has called for collaboration among government officials, including ASHA and USHA workers. The chief minister directed that a campaign be launched to verify the warning labels on medications and ensure compliance with safety regulations. He highlighted the need for awareness about the legal provisions that prohibit the prescription of combination drugs for children under four years old, pledging that those who violate this law would face prosecution.

The investigation has also involved the National Centre for Disease Control and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, which are assessing the safety of other medicines sold in the region. Sample tests have been sent to a laboratory in Pune, and local health officials have convened meetings with private doctors, hospitals, and chemists to review the situation.

In light of the findings regarding Coldrif syrup, officials have implemented inspections of hospitals and chemist shops in Chhindwara. The government has kept the Tamil Nadu authorities informed to facilitate appropriate actions against the manufacturer.

Yadav has assured the families of the victims that the government is committed to ensuring justice and preventing future incidents. “Every individual’s life is precious,” he stated, reiterating the administration’s sensitivity to the tragedy and determination to impose strict penalties on those found culpable.