Rajasthan Govt Bans Key Cough Syrup Suppliers, State Drug Controller Suspended

The Rajasthan government has taken decisive action against Kayson Pharma, halting the distribution of 19 medicines following the deaths of two children and several illnesses linked to their cough syrup. The state's Health Department cited quality control failures and alleged interference by Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma in setting medicine standards. Consequently, Sharma has been suspended from his position.

Quality Concerns and Investigations

The state has banned all cough syrups containing dextromethorphan after multiple batches failed quality tests. Since 2012, 10,119 samples from Kayson Pharma have been tested, with 42 deemed substandard. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a detailed investigation into these issues. An expert committee will examine how these medicines passed checks and identify failures in the quality assurance process.

Advisories and New Regulations

In response to these events, the Health Ministry has advised against using dextromethorphan for children under two years old. This aligns with earlier guidance from the Centre. Labels warning of risks to children and pregnant women will now be mandatory on relevant medicines. Additionally, controls on drugs for respiratory illnesses like COPD are being introduced, with alternative medications recommended for cough treatment.

Tamil Nadu's Response

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has banned 'Coldrif' cough syrup from October 1, following reports linking it to the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The state ordered its immediate removal from the market and froze existing stocks. Manufactured by a Chennai-based company, this syrup was supplied to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry.

Inspections and Safety Concerns

Inspections at the manufacturer's facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district have been conducted over two days. Samples were collected for testing amid suspicions of contamination with Diethylene Glycol-a toxic chemical known to cause kidney failure. These samples are now being analysed in both state and central government labs.

The Union Health Ministry has also issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories against prescribing cough medications to children under two years old. This follows reports of nine child deaths in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district and two in Rajasthan. Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath alleged contamination might have occurred due to mixing with industrial brake oil solvents.

Test results from government labs are anticipated soon as authorities continue their investigations into these serious safety concerns within the pharmaceutical supply chain.