Cough Syrup Linked to Deaths of Two Children in Rajasthan Sparks Health Inquiry and Drug Ban

A cough syrup linked to the deaths of two children in Rajasthan has resulted in a ban on 22 batches. Authorities are investigating complaints related to the syrup's safety.

A generic cough syrup distributed by the Rajasthan government has been linked to the deaths of two children and several illnesses, prompting a ban on 22 batches and an investigation. The syrup was given out at government health centres. Drug Controller Ajay Phatak stated that complaints were received about children falling ill after taking the syrup.

Phatak mentioned that samples have been collected from Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Bharatpur, with test results expected in three days. He advised against administering the syrup to children under five years old. The issue surfaced when a five-year-old from Sikar district died after being given the syrup at a community health centre.

Deaths and Illnesses Linked to Cough Syrup

Rohitashwa Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector at Dadiya police station, reported that Nitish, son of Mukesh Sharma, received the syrup at Chirana community health centre. His condition worsened overnight, leading to his death while being taken to the hospital. Although Nitish's parents did not file a complaint or request a post-mortem, his maternal grandfather lodged a complaint.

This incident drew attention to an earlier case on September 22 in Bharatpur, where two-year-old Samrat Jatav died after consuming the same syrup prescribed at a local health centre. Samrat's grandmother, Nehni Jatav, shared that three grandchildren took the syrup; two recovered after vomiting, but Samrat did not regain consciousness.

Government Response and Investigation

The Rajasthan government has banned 22 batches of the syrup and ordered an immediate recall of existing stock. Doctors have been instructed to stop prescribing it. Samples from all batches are under testing, and supplies from Kayson Pharma have been halted, according to Jai Singh, executive director for quality control at Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited.

Over 1.33 lakh bottles of the syrup were distributed in Rajasthan since July. At least 8,200 bottles remain in stock at Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital but are not to be given to patients. The health department has initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Doctor's Incident Raises Concerns

A senior doctor reportedly fell unconscious after consuming the syrup to demonstrate its safety. Dr Tarachand Yogi, in charge of Bayana community health centre, took a dose on September 24 in front of concerned parents. Eight hours later, he was found unconscious in his car.

Doctors confirmed that eight other children aged between one and five years fell ill in Banswara district after consuming the syrup last week. This has heightened concerns over the safety of the medicine distributed through government channels.

The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of these adverse reactions and prevent further incidents. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and addressing any lapses in quality control or distribution processes.

With inputs from PTI