Seven teams inspect Indore markets, collect syrup samples:Over 30 cough syrup samples taken for testing, sale of 2,920 Respifresh bottles suspended

Following the deaths of children in Chhindwara linked to toxic Coldrif cough syrup, the Indore administration has intensified its crackdown. Under the supervision of CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani, seven drug inspector teams fanned out across the city on Tuesday. The teams inspected wholesale depots, retail medical stores, and distributors at Pipliyahana, Bhanwarkuan, Mari Mata, Dewas Naka, and the city’s Dawa Bazar. They specifically examined the records of Coldrif, Nestro DX, and other products manufactured by Shri Sant Pharmaceuticals, the company under scanner. Officials confirmed that no purchase or supply of the fatal Coldrif syrup has been traced in Indore so far. However, in the interest of safety, syrups of other companies were also checked and samples collected. Over 30 samples collected for testing During Tuesday’s raids, drug inspectors lifted 24 fresh samples of different cough syrups. On Monday, they had already taken six samples, taking the total to 30 samples in two days. In addition, Gujarat-based syrups that had been declared substandard, Relife by Shape Pharma and Respifresh by Rednonex Pharma, were also checked. While banned batches were not found in Indore, inspectors ordered a temporary suspension on the sale of 2,920 bottles of Respifresh from other lots until test reports arrive. Samples of these syrups have also been dispatched for laboratory analysis. Warning to doctors and chemists CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani said strict action is being taken as per government orders: Seven teams are conducting back-to-back inspections. Some stockists were found with prohibited syrups and these have been seized. No medical store will be allowed to sell such drugs, and any violation will invite strict action. He also warned that doctors prescribing banned syrups will face FIRs and jail, while chemists must not sell cough syrups for children under four years without a doctor’s prescription. All drug retailers have been directed to strictly follow government-issued guidelines. Chemists’ Association extends support Madhya Pradesh Chemists’ Association vice president Dharmendra Kothari maintained that traders are cooperating with the administration: Our market does not stock any prohibited syrups. Other company samples are being collected as a precaution. If any quality lapse is detected, we support immediate action. Wrong medicines should never be allowed to reach patients. Limited inspectors, large market The crackdown also highlights gaps in drug regulation in Indore. While the Dawa Bazar alone has more than 700 registered medical stores, the city has only seven full-time drug inspectors. To meet the crisis, seven teams have been formed by pooling resources, but experts say this is still inadequate to cover such a large network. Ongoing action at a glance Nationwide concern and call for ban Beyond Indore, the issue has triggered nationwide concern. Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI) has written to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare demanding a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and marketing of cough syrups. The JSAI expressed alarm over child deaths in Rajasthan (Bharatpur, Sikar) and Madhya Pradesh (Chhindwara, Betul) allegedly caused by contaminated syrups. JSAI also reminded the government that the Hathi Committee (1975), the WHO, UNICEF, and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) have long declared cough syrups unsafe and unscientific for children. UNICEF recommends safer remedies like warm fluids, honey (for children over one year), and careful monitoring of symptoms instead.