2 doctors arrested in MP poisonous cough syrup case:SIT finds Coldrif prescriptions for 5 children; 26 deaths reported

In the high-profile toxic cough syrup case in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrests two doctors on Saturday. Evidence shows that prescriptions written by them led to the deaths of five children. A total of 26 children had died after consuming the contaminated cough syrup. With these arrests, the number of accused held so far rises to 11. Based on the investigation, the SIT arrests Dr Aman Siddiqui and Dr S.S. Thakur from Parasia. Prescriptions written by the doctors are recovered, confirming that the cough syrup Coldrif was prescribed to children. SIT investigating medicine supply chain The SIT says the investigation is still ongoing. The probe is examining the drug supply chain, the role of doctors and other people linked to the case. After the arrest of two more doctors, officials believe the case could reveal further major findings. SIT investigating for the last 6 months After the deaths of the children, the Mohan government forms a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. For the past six months, the team has been examining the medicine supply chain, doctors’ prescriptions and treatment-related documents. Earlier in the case, police had already taken action. Parasia’s Dr Praveen Soni and eight others had been arrested and sent to jail. They have been in judicial custody for nearly six months. 9 important points of the investigation report… More than 350 irregularities found in Coldrift factory Earlier, an investigation committee of the Tamil Nadu government found more than 350 irregularities at the factory of Shri Sharan Pharmaceuticals, which manufactured Coldrif syrup. These were categorised as critical and major violations. 48% kidney-damaging toxin found in Coldrift After the deaths, the batch SR-13 of Coldrif syrup was seized from the company’s unit and sent to a government drug testing laboratory in Chennai. Tests revealed that non-pharmacopoeia grade propylene glycol had been used. The syrup batch was found to contain 48.6% w/v diethylene glycol (DEG) and was declared “Not of Standard Quality”. The syrup was contaminated with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, both toxic chemicals that can severely damage the kidneys. These were banned first Following the deaths, Coldrif batch number SR-13 and Nextro-DS batch number AQD-2559 cough syrups were banned. The Public Health and Medical Education Department also ordered the recall of Defrost syrup (batch number 11198) manufactured by Indore-based Ark Pharmaceuticals. The Madhya Pradesh government has also issued instructions to exercise special caution regarding the use of chemicals such as Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine HCl in medicines.