India Investigates Cough Syrup Contamination After 16 Child Deaths

NEW DELHI —

Authorities in India are investigating the deaths of at least sixteen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after reports linked their illnesses to contaminated batches of cough syrup.

Preliminary laboratory analysis found traces of diethylene glycol (DEG) contamination in samples taken from a batch of Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu. Another product, Nextro-DS, has also been sent for testing. Officials said results from accredited laboratories are pending.

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Government Response

The Union Health Ministry has directed state authorities to withdraw suspect batches from circulation and conduct safety audits of all pediatric medicines distributed through government hospitals.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched inspections of multiple drug manufacturing facilities across India to assess compliance with quality control standards.

In Madhya Pradesh, police arrested a doctor accused of negligence in prescribing the implicated syrup. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to trace the contamination source, monitor the distribution process, and identify any regulatory lapses.

Kerala and Rajasthan have temporarily banned Coldrif and related products pending the results of the investigation.

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Medical Impact

Health officials said the affected children initially displayed mild symptoms such as cough and fever. After consuming the syrup, many developed vomiting, dehydration, and acute kidney failure.

Families reported that the medicines were provided through local government health centers. Toxicology reports later confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol — a toxic industrial solvent used in products such as brake fluid — in the children’s systems.

Ingestion of DEG can lead to severe kidney and neurological damage, particularly among young children.

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Broader Investigation

The Health Ministry has ordered all states to review pediatric drug quality control and verify compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Officials are also tightening documentation of supply chains and increasing random sampling of children’s liquid medicines.

This case follows earlier incidents between 2022 and 2024, when contaminated Indian-made syrups were linked to child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, raising global concern over pharmaceutical oversight.

India, one of the world’s largest suppliers of generic medicines, has stated its commitment to reinforcing drug safety standards to preserve international trust in its pharmaceutical exports.

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Ongoing Measures

Testing of all suspect batches continues in regional laboratories. Officials said final reports will determine whether broader product recalls or legal actions are necessary.

Both national and state governments have urged parents and healthcare providers to avoid unverified syrup brands until the investigation concludes.

As of October 6, sixteen deaths have been confirmed, with several additional cases under medical observation.