Cough syrup tragedy deepens with two child deaths in MP’s Betul, probe launched

Betul – The Coldrif cough syrup crisis in Madhya Pradesh has taken a tragic turn, with two more child deaths reported from Betul district, allegedly after consuming the same toxic medicine linked to multiple fatalities in Chhindwara.

The fresh incident has triggered widespread anger and renewed scrutiny of medical practices in the state.

According to reports, the victims — Kabir (4) from Kalmeshwar village and Garvit (2.5) from Jamun Bichhua village in Amla block — were taken to a private clinic in Parasia, Chhindwara, after developing fever. The attending doctor, Praveen Soni, allegedly prescribed Coldrif syrup along with other medicines.

However, instead of improving, the children’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to their deaths under suspicious circumstances.

District health official Manoj Hurmade told IANS, “It is too early to confirm the exact cause of death. A four-member team of doctors has been formed to investigate. They will meet the families, collect the children’s medical history and treatment details, and consult with doctors at Hamidia Hospital and AIIMS Bhopal, where both children were referred. Only after the review is complete will we be able to confirm the cause.”

He added that both children were initially treated by Dr. Soni, before being referred to government hospitals. “One child died during treatment at Hamidia Hospital, while the other died at home in Betul after being brought back by his parents,” Hurmade said.

The families allege that the Coldrif syrup — now banned across Madhya Pradesh — caused the deaths. “We trusted the doctor, but the medicine only worsened their condition,” one family member said.

Tests revealed that Coldrif syrup, produced by **Sresan Pharmaceuticals** in Tamil Nadu, contained **48.6 per cent diethylene glycol (DEG)** — a highly toxic chemical used in industrial products that can cause acute kidney failure and death.

Following laboratory analysis at the Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate declared the product **“Not of Standard Quality (NSQ).”**

So far, **14 child deaths** have been confirmed in Chhindwara district, with several others hospitalised.

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced an **ex-gratia of ?4 lakh** for each bereaved family and is covering all medical expenses for surviving victims.

A **statewide ban** has been imposed on Coldrif syrup and all other products manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Praveen Soni, the physician who allegedly prescribed the syrup to most affected children, has been **arrested**, and an **FIR** has been filed under multiple sections of the **Drugs and Cosmetics Act** and the **Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)**.

Meanwhile, the **Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)** has initiated **risk-based inspections** at pharmaceutical units in six states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

The **Union Health Ministry** has also issued advisories to all states, urging doctors to exercise caution while prescribing cough syrups to children under two years of age.

The deaths of Kabir and Garvit have further intensified concerns over the circulation of banned medicines and raised serious questions about the accountability of private medical practitioners.

With inputs from IANS