After Nine Child Deaths, Madhya Pradesh Bans 'Lethal' Cough Syrup, Urges TN Probe

Bhopal – The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale of a “lethal” cough syrup across the state following the deaths of nine children in Chhindwara district, raising alarm over contaminated medicines.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also called on the Tamil Nadu government to investigate, as the manufacturing company is based in Kanchipuram. Posting on X, he said, “The deaths of children in Chhindwara due to Coldrif syrup are extremely tragic. The sale of this syrup and other products from the manufacturer has been banned in Madhya Pradesh. The Tamil Nadu government has been urged to investigate. Strict action has been taken based on the report.”

The children, who fell ill between August 24 and October 2, initially presented with cold, cough, and fever, which rapidly progressed to kidney failure. The syrups under scrutiny are Coldrif and Nextro DS, distributed from a pharmaceutical unit in Jabalpur. Out of 660 bottles purchased, 594 were distributed to three Chhindwara distributors, while the remaining stock has been frozen pending laboratory analysis.

Preliminary investigations indicate possible contamination with brake oil solvent, a highly toxic substance. Over 1,420 children showing flu-like symptoms are under observation, with ASHA workers monitoring discharged patients at home. Samples of the syrups, water, and human tissue have been sent to laboratories in Pune and Delhi.

Earlier, the local administration had restricted sales of Coldrif and Nextro DS in Chhindwara alone. Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) had previously banned 19 batches of similar syrups following two child deaths in Sikar and Bharatpur.

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath blamed “negligence” by the state government, alleging that brake oil solvent had been mixed into the syrups and called for a statewide ban on such products.

With inputs from IANS