The Central Government has responded in the Rajya Sabha on the death of children due to drinking cough syrup in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. On behalf of the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, it was told in the Parliament that the amount of deadly chemical Diethylene Glycol (DEG) was found to be 46.28% in the Coldrif Syrup which was consumed by the children. This quantity is fatal and its presence in any medicine is completely banned.
What was found in the investigation?
The central government said that upon receiving reports of a series of deaths of children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, a central team of experts including an epidemiologist, a microbiologist, an entomologist and drug inspectors from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) visited Chhindwara and Nagpur respectively and conducted a detailed investigation of the reported cases and deaths in coordination with Madhya Pradesh state authorities.
Samples of a total of 19 medicines, allegedly consumed by the affected children, were collected for testing from the private treating physicians and nearby retail stores. Chemical analysis of these 19 samples revealed that 15 samples were of standard quality, while 4 samples were declared not of standard quality (NSQ).
As per the test report, the syrup Coldrif (B.No. SR-13) manufactured by M/s Sreesan Pharmaceutical, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu and consumed by the deceased children was found to contain 46.28% w/v of Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
The premises of M/s Srisan Pharmaceuticals were inspected. Several serious and major Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) violations were found, including unsanitary storage conditions. The matter of criminal action against the manufacturer was taken up by CDSCO with the Tamil Nadu State Government. The State Drug Controller, Tamil Nadu canceled the manufacturing license.
Additionally, following the incident, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and the Union Territory of Puducherry, to which the offending cough syrup was supplied, ordered an immediate ban and recall.
Further, an advisory has been issued to all State/UT health departments and healthcare facilities on October 3, 2025 to ensure rational use of pediatric cough syrups. Also, the Drug Controller (India) on October 7, 2025 directed all State/Union Territory Drug Controllers to ensure strict compliance with the testing requirements under the Drugs Rules, 1945, and on October 27 directed them to maintain strict vigil against counterfeit and substandard drugs and take prompt action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
A thorough audit of more than 700 cough syrup manufacturers has been conducted in coordination with state authorities. Market surveillance and sampling of syrup formulations has also been increased by central and state drug regulators.
Advisory and strict instructions to the states
- 3 October 2025: Advisory issued to states on ‘rational use’ of cough syrup in children.
- 7 October 2025: Instructions to all state drug controllers to strictly follow the testing rules.
- 27 October 2025: High alert and orders for immediate action on fake and substandard medicines.
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has amended IP 2022. Now there will be mandatory testing of DEG and EG not only of raw materials but also of finished syrup.
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