WHO Warns of Contaminated Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged three contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India, including the widely discussed Coldrif. The agency has called upon health authorities worldwide to report any sightings of these products, which have been linked to serious health risks and recent child fatalities in India.

Contaminated Products Identified

Among the syrups identified by the WHO are Coldrif, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, along with Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals and ReLife from Shape Pharma. The alert follows reports of several child deaths in Madhya Pradesh attributed to the consumption of these adulterated medications.

The alarming contamination of Coldrif was traced to the presence of the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), with tests revealing concentrations exceeding 48 percent, vastly surpassing the permissible limit of 0.1 percent. This led to a significant public outcry and raised concerns regarding the safety of pharmaceutical products in India.

Immediate Actions Taken

In response to the crisis, the Indian government revoked the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, and its owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested. Furthermore, a comprehensive inspection of drug manufacturing facilities across Tamil Nadu has been ordered to identify potential lapses in quality control.

Given the severity of the situation, the Central government issued an advisory to all states and union territories. This advisory emphasized the need for extreme caution in prescribing cough syrups for children, specifically stating that these medications should not be prescribed to children under the age of two and are generally not recommended for those under five. Health officials highlighted this incident as a critical indicator of the need for stricter regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing in India.

The WHO’s warning underscores the importance of global vigilance regarding the safety of pharmaceutical products. The agency encourages all health authorities to remain alert and report any findings related to these specific syrups.

This troubling situation reflects broader concerns about the safety and regulation of pharmaceuticals in the country. As investigations continue, the hope is to implement measures that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.