Substandard cough syrup causes kidney failure in children in Chhindwara:6 dead; urine retention linked to contaminated medicine; Collector imposes sales ban

A major health scare has emerged in Chhindwara after six children died due to kidney failure linked to substandard cough syrup. Investigations suggest that the cough syrups administered to the children contained unsafe levels of Diethylene Glycol (DG), a toxic chemical. The District Collector has imposed a ban on the sale of two specific cough syrups, Coldrif and Nextro-DS, and issued advisories for parents, doctors, and medical store operators to prevent further casualties. How the kidney failures were detected According to Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Naresh Gunnade, the first suspected case emerged on August 24, with the first death occurring on September 7. Children exhibited high fever and difficulty urinating—early warning signs of kidney failure. Dr. Pawan Nandulkar, a pediatric specialist at Chhindwara Medical College, said children showing these symptoms were referred to Nagpur for treatment, but unfortunately, many could not be saved.
Kidney biopsies later revealed contamination by diethylene glycol in the cough syrups administered to these children. Most affected children had received a combination of these medicines. Cough syrup sales banned Following the reports, District Collector Sheelendra Singh convened a meeting with officials including the CEO of the Zilla Panchayat, CMHO, Dean of the Medical College, doctors, and the Drugs Inspector. During the meeting, the sale of Coldrif and Nextro-DS cough syrups was immediately banned. In an interview with Bhaskar, Collector Singh said:
“Investigations confirmed that the kidney failures caused the deaths. The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) team from Delhi has been notified and conducted multiple levels of testing. Blood samples of affected children were also sent to a virology institute in Pune.” Tests and investigations Advisories issued for parents, doctors, and medical stores For parents: For medical stores: For doctors: Government response The District Collector instructed the CMHO to closely monitor affected cases. He also directed that seriously ill children be referred to AIIMS Nagpur, and if necessary, the government air ambulance service could be utilized. Strict action will be taken against unlicensed practitioners contributing to the crisis.