Seven children die in Chhindwara after syrup:Prescribed from govt doctor’s private clinic, raising fears of wider supply in Seoni, Betul, and Balaghat districts

In a shocking development in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, seven children died due to kidney failure after reportedly consuming two cough syrups—Coldrif and Nexa DS. The state administration has since banned these syrups. Investigations revealed that the two syrups were not commonly available medicines, prescribed only by select pediatricians in the city. They were supplied predominantly to a few medical stores near private clinics of these doctors. State Health Department takes action Given the severity of the case, the Madhya Pradesh Health Department wrote to the governments of Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh, where these syrups are manufactured, to halt production. So far, 13 samples of the syrups have been sent for laboratory testing. Authorities are also investigating the extent and locations of the syrup’s supply. Details of the syrups: Doctors and medical stores under scrutiny The seven children who died were residents of Parasia block. Investigations revealed that two prominent pediatricians—Dr. Praveen Soni and Dr. Aman Siddiqui—had prescribed Coldrif syrup to some of the affected children. Dr. Soni’s family runs a medical store where these syrups were easily available. Other stockists in Chhindwara include three for Coldrif and one for Nexa DS. One stockist, Rajesh Soni of New Apna Pharma, told authorities that 170 bottles were seized from his warehouse. Retail sales were stopped, and stores were instructed to return all remaining stock. According to the stockist, during the season, one stockist supplies about 250 bottles per month, estimating a total monthly supply of over 600 bottles. Authorities noted that the affected children had taken either one or both of the syrups, prompting the suspension of sales until lab reports confirm the cause of kidney failure. Doctors respond Dr. Praveen Soni, a senior pediatrician at Parasia Civil Hospital, defended himself, saying he has been prescribing these syrups for over 10 years. He explained that the viral fever this year seemed different, possibly due to a mutation, and that patients often self-medicate before visiting him. Dr. Soni added that medical representatives suggest medications, which doctors then prescribe based on observed results. He emphasized that he follows standard medical practice in both his government and private clinic duties. Supply beyond Chhindwara Pharma sector sources revealed that the syrups were also supplied to select medical stores in Pandhurna, Seoni, Betul, and Balaghat districts. However, Chhindwara Drug Inspector Gaurav Sharma said these areas fall outside his jurisdiction. He confirmed that his team submitted a report to senior authorities and is working on tracking the syrup’s distribution network. Next steps in investigation The Health Department is awaiting laboratory results from the 13 syrup samples to determine whether these medicines caused kidney failure. Officials are also investigating how the syrups reached other districts and whether additional children were affected. Authorities are considering further action based on the findings, including stricter monitoring of private prescriptions and supply chains for potentially hazardous medications.