Government Crackdown: CDSCO Expands Inspections After Cough Syrup Deaths
In the wake of the recent cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units across six states. The move comes on the heels of appalling findings after the examination of 19 samples, including cough syrups, antipyretics, and antibiotics.
These states which are currently under investigation include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra as health officials attempt to identify possible fault in the production of medicine that might have caused the tragedy.
Background: The Cough Syrup Crisis
At least 12 children have died. Nine in Madhya Pradesh and three in Rajasthan — have died since early September due to suspected renal failure after they drank cough syrup. Dozens more are currently in hospitals. Investigations have fingered Coldrif syrup, manufactured by a Tamil Nadu-based firm Sresan Pharma, as the likely cause.
The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration tests found that certain batches of Coldrif had Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in amounts higher than safe levels. DEG is a toxic chemical that destroys kidneys and results in death. The recalls and bans of the syrup by various states followed, such as Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
Government Action
Following the news, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav banned Coldrif syrup and all products from the company. Kerala also suspended the sale of Coldrif syrup amid complaints of adulteration. Rajasthan suspended its state drug controller and suspended distribution of all Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma drugs until further order.
The health ministry of the Union has formed a multi-disciplinary committee of experts representing the National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, AIIMS Nagpur, and others to investigate the cause of deaths and ensure accountability.
Political Response
The incident has attracted outrage. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath demanded ₹50 lakh compensation to each victim family and demanded a strong crackdown on spurious drugs. Madhya Pradesh government has declared compensation of ₹4 lakh per child who died.
Safety Measures and Warnings
India’s Drug Controller General issued a warning today against the prescription of cough and cold medication to children under the age of five years, highlighting that such drugs should be prescribed only after clinical evaluation and with strict compliance to dosage. The offending medicines for children and women in maternity will now carry bold warning labels.
With the already ongoing inspections in various states, officials are racing against time to figure out why this tragedy had occurred and to stop the bleeding of additional fatalities. The tragedy has generated immediate calls for stricter regulations, better control of manufacturing, and greater public vigilance on the perils of over-the-counter cough syrups.
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