Madhya Pradesh And Rajasthan Authorities Investigate Cough Syrup Linked To Child Deaths And Illnesses

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan investigate cough syrup linked to child fatalities. Bans on dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup aim to ensure public safety amid rising health concerns.

Authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have initiated investigations and imposed bans on certain cough syrups after several child deaths and illnesses. These measures aim to prevent further incidents and address public health concerns. The focus is on dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup, which is under scrutiny following multiple cases of child fatalities and illnesses.

In Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, a central team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected samples as part of a probe into the suspected role of cough syrup in recent child deaths and illnesses. Similar cases have emerged in Rajasthan, prompting urgent testing of dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup batches and halting distribution across the state.

Investigation in Rajasthan

The investigation follows the death of a five-year-old boy in Sikar, Rajasthan, after consuming cough syrup supplied under the state's free medicine scheme. A three-year-old in Bharatpur also fell seriously ill after taking the same syrup. In another case, a two-year-old girl was hospitalised in critical condition after being given dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup at a government dispensary in Sanganer on September 27.

The girl was initially admitted to the ICU but has since been moved to the general ward. This incident follows earlier cases in Bharatpur and Srimadhopur (Sikar district), where several children became ill after taking the same syrup. They were treated at JK Lon Hospital in Jaipur and later discharged.

Concerns Over Syrup Usage

In Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, six children have died over the past month from suspected kidney infections after reportedly consuming two types of syrups, including cough medicines. The Acting Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Naresh Gunnade, confirmed that the first suspected case was recorded on August 24, with the first death occurring on September 7.

Initial symptoms reported were high fever and difficulty urinating. Following these events, authorities have banned the use of two syrups and ordered stringent monitoring. Coldrif and Nextro-DS Syrups have been banned by the district administration due to these incidents.

Rajasthan's Response

On September 28 and 29, formal complaints were received by Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) from district health officials regarding batch numbers KL-25/147 and KL-25/148 of the syrup manufactured by Kaysons Pharma, a Jaipur-based company. Consequently, RMSCL halted distribution of all affected batches and formed a three-member committee to investigate.

RMSCL officials confirmed that over 133,000 patients had received this syrup since June with no prior complaints until recent cases emerged. However, given the emerging pattern, distribution has been suspended across the state. All batches from Kaysons Pharma are now banned from being distributed at pharmacy centres.

Quality Testing Underway

Rajasthan Drug Controller Ajay Phatak confirmed multiple reports of children falling ill across several districts. He emphasised that the entire supply of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide syrup has been suspended pending test results. "We have collected statutory samples from affected batches and sent them for quality testing," Phatak said.

Initial findings suggest that this syrup may not be suitable for paediatric use as all affected children were under four years old. Experts noted that this syrup is primarily indicated for adults, raising concerns about prescription practices under public health schemes.

Meanwhile, in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, NCDC has collected samples following reported deaths possibly linked to similar syrup usage. Officials stress that test results from State Drug Testing Laboratories are still pending. Findings will be shared with respective state authorities for further action.

Pulmonologists and paediatric health experts advise against unsupervised use of over-the-counter cough medicines for children. "Parents should not administer any syrup or medication without a doctor's prescription," said one Jaipur-based pulmonologist.

Central and state authorities are expected to take further action following laboratory results and internal committee findings. For now, distribution remains suspended while quality control mechanisms under public health schemes face renewed scrutiny.