Cough Syrup Found Safe in Rajasthan Lab Tests After Reports of Child Illnesses and Deaths

Following reports of child illnesses and deaths, Rajasthan's cough syrup has been declared safe after government lab tests confirmed compliance with standards. Health officials assert no irregularities were found.

Government laboratory tests have confirmed that the cough syrup, previously suspected of causing illnesses and deaths among children in Rajasthan, is safe. The state health department initiated testing after reports surfaced of children falling ill and allegedly dying after consuming the syrup. The tests verified that all components in the medicine met the prescribed standards.

Amidst these findings, reports emerged of 11 child deaths, with nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups. Samples were collected from districts such as Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Bharatpur and sent to the Drug Control Department laboratory for analysis. The lab's report, submitted on Friday, declared all tested batches safe.

Health Minister's Response and Further Investigation

Health Minister Gajendra Singh defended his department by stating, "We had the samples tested in lab. No irregularities have been found in the medicines." He mentioned that samples were promptly sent for examination once the issue was reported, and the official report confirmed the drug's safety for consumption.

Singh also noted that parents who administered these medicines to their children did so without prescriptions or recommendations from government doctors. He stated, "If the parents gave some medicine, then it is not the fault of the department." Despite this, further investigation into the matter will continue.

National Advisory and State Actions

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories. It directed that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed to children under two years old. This advisory follows reports of child deaths allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh.

The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup. This action was taken due to suspicions linking it to the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. An official from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department stated that from October 1, sales of this syrup by a local manufacturer are prohibited across Tamil Nadu.

Current Situation in Affected Regions

The death toll reached nine in Madhya Pradesh after two children died in Nagpur, Maharashtra on Thursday night. Currently, 13 children are receiving treatment; eight are in Chhindwara and Nagpur. Among them, three out of five in Nagpur are undergoing dialysis, according to an official.

The situation remains under scrutiny as authorities continue to investigate potential links between these medications and child fatalities. The focus is on ensuring safety standards are upheld across all regions affected by these incidents.

With inputs from PTI