Cough syrup causes death of 6 children in Chhindwara:MP Drug Controller claims drugs were supplied from Tamil Nadu and Himachal; writes letter to FDA

After six children died from kidney failure in Chhindwara, the Collector has banned the sale of syrups Coldrif and Nextro-DS, which are suspected to have caused the deaths. There are concerns about the presence of chemical diethylene glycol in these medicines. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (MP FDA) have ordered a full investigation into all medicines administered to the children Drug Controller Dinesh Kumar Maurya said, Not just two but three syrup samples have been taken primarily. These include Colddrif and Nextro-DS as well as Defrost syrup. In addition, samples of every medicine written in the prescription given to children have also been taken. Besides FDA, the CDSCO team has also conducted random checking and sample collection. Suspicious syrups traced to Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh According to Drug Controller Dinesh Kumar Maurya, the syrups under suspicion were manufactured by companies in Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh. These medicines were supplied to Chhindwara and nearby areas from these states. Letters have been sent to the drug controllers of both states, containing detailed information including company names and batch numbers so that the manufacturing units can be investigated. Meanwhile, first batch of samples has already been sent for testing. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible once the reports are received. Cases in Rajasthan linked to supply from Indore Similar cases of kidney toxin injuries in children have also emerged in Bharatpur (Bayana) and Sikar in Rajasthan. Reports indicate that children fell ill, and one child died, after consuming cough syrup containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Following this, the Rajasthan Health Department has banned the distribution of all medicines containing this combination. Under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme, these medicines were being supplied by KAYSONS Pharma of Jaipur and Samkem Pharma of Indore. The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has also halted the supply from the Indore-based company until the investigation is complete. CDSCO conducts state-wide investigation The FDA said that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has collected samples of the suspicious syrups from across Madhya Pradesh. The samples were collected randomly to assess the full extent of the risk on a large scale. District teams instructed to remain alert Drug Controller Maurya remarked that teams in all districts have been instructed to stay vigilant. They have been asked to immediately report any new cases. Currently, district teams are carrying out inspections and collecting samples of medicines.