Twenty-four children have died in Madhya Pradesh and three others are in a critical condition after consuming an adulterated cough syrup. Lab tests show that the syrup contained a high concentration of diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent that is never used in medicine. BinduShajan Perappadan and Mehul Malpani report on the horror that highlights the dangers of India’s weak regulatory system
Pharmaceuticals, banned Coldrif nationwide, and flagged other brands with similar toxins. The tragedy echoes past incidents in India and abroad, exposing regulatory gaps in drug safety monitoring and enforcement. The health ministry has urged rational use of cough syrups, which are often overprescribed despite limited effectiveness for most coughs. Investigations are ongoing to determine how contaminated products passed regulatory checks and to hold responsible parties accountable.
This event has stirred public outrage and calls for stricter drug regulations and better quality controls in India’s large pharmaceutical sector.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/killer-cough-syrup/article70149440.ece