Bhopal: Weeks after the tragic deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to consumption of adulterated cough syrup, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified three syrups in India that pose serious health risks. The agency has urged authorities globally to report if they detect these products in their countries.
Among the medicines flagged is the infamous Coldrif syrup, which recently triggered widespread alarm after being linked to the deaths of at least 22 children, mostly from Parasia village in Chhindwara. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical, in the syrup at concentrations nearly 500 times above the permissible limit.
Syrups identified by WHO
The WHO has reportedly identified three contaminated cough syrups:
- Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu
- Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals
- ReLife from Shape Pharma
The syrups are said to pose significant health risks, potentially causing severe and life-threatening illness, particularly in children under five years of age.
Action taken by Indian authorities
Following the discovery, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) confirmed to the WHO that these syrups contained toxic levels of DEG. CDSCO clarified that none of the contaminated batches were exported from India, and authorities in the United States also confirmed that these medicines had not been shipped to their country.
Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif syrup, had its manufacturing license revoked by the Tamil Nadu government. The firm’s owner, G Ranganathan, was arrested, and a detailed inspection of other drug manufacturing units in the state was ordered to prevent similar incidents.
Government advisories
In response to the tragedy, the Indian government issued advisories to states and union territories, urging caution in prescribing cough syrups to children. The advisory highlighted that such medicines should not be prescribed for children below two years and are generally not recommended for those under five.
The deaths prompted widespread public concern and media attention, triggering scrutiny over drug safety regulations and manufacturing practices in India. The incident has also reignited calls for stricter oversight of pharmaceutical companies, particularly those producing paediatric medicines.
Impact and global alert
The WHO is expected to issue a Global Medical Products Alert based on the information received from Indian authorities. Health agencies worldwide have been advised to monitor and report any detection of the identified syrups in their markets to prevent further incidents.
This event underscores the dangers of adulterated medicines, particularly in paediatric care, and highlights the need for stringent quality control measures. Public health experts stress the importance of regulatory vigilance and adherence to international safety standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Conclusion
The identification of toxic cough syrups by the WHO, following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh, has prompted decisive action by Indian authorities. With manufacturers facing penalties and global alerts issued, the case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of drug safety, regulatory oversight, and responsible prescribing practices to protect children from preventable tragedies.