MP CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh Aid For Families Of 11 Children Who Died After Consuming Cough Syrup

11 children died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup in MP’s Chhindwara district. (Representative image)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the 11 children who died due to consumption of Coldrif cough syrup in Chhindwara district.

According to officials, among the 11 deaths, 10 children were residents of Chhindwara district while one belonged to Pandhurna district (newly formed district from Chhindwara).

The Chief minister stated that the state government would cover the entire medical expenses of children still under treatment. The CM also took serious cognizance of the deaths of children due to consumption of Coldrif cough syrup and following lab test results, the sale of the syrup has been completely banned across Madhya Pradesh. A statewide campaign is also being conducted to raid and seize stocks of Coldrif syrup, according to the release.

CM Yadav stated that upon learning of the incident, samples of Coldrif syrup were immediately sent for testing. On Saturday morning, lab reports confirmed the samples to be substandard. In response, an immediate ban was imposed on the sale of the syrup across the state.

The Chief Minister further informed that a joint investigation team has been formed at the state level to probe the matter and assured that those found responsible would not be spared under any circumstances.

The Tamil Nadu Drug Controller has declared Coldrif syrup as “Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)”. According to analysis from the Government Drug Analyst at the Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai, the syrup was found to contain 48.6% Diethylene Glycol, a toxic substance that is extremely hazardous to health.

In light of the confirmed toxic content and the suspected role of the syrup in the child deaths in Chhindwara, the state government has taken strict action.

Additionally, Controller of Food and Drug Administration Madhya Pradesh Dinesh Kumar Maurya has instructed all senior drug inspectors and drug inspectors across the state to immediately stop the sale and distribution of the said drug. If stocks are found, they must be sealed and not destroyed, as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules.

Samples are to be collected and sent to government laboratories for testing. If any other batches of Coldrif syrup are available, those too must be sealed and sent for analysis.

In the interest of public safety, the sale and use of all other medicines manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals have also been suspended with immediate effect. Samples are being collected for legal testing, and strict monitoring has been ordered on the movement of these drugs within the state, the release added.