Weeks after several children in Madhya Pradesh died allegedly due to contaminated cough syrup, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified three such products in India and urged global authorities to report if these are found in their countries.
The syrups flagged include:
- Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals
- Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals
- ReLife from Shape Pharma
Tamil Nadu Firm Under Scrutiny
Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Tamil Nadu, had its licence revoked after tests confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical historically linked to mass poisonings. Coldrif was linked to the deaths of at least 22 children, mostly from Parasia village in Chhindwara district.
The WHO warned that these syrups pose serious, potentially life-threatening risks to children.
India’s Response
Following the tragedy, WHO asked Indian authorities whether the syrups had been exported. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) confirmed that the DEG levels in these syrups were nearly 500 times above the permissible limit. The toxic products were consumed by children under five, leading to fatalities.
Authorities also confirmed that none of the contaminated syrups were exported, a claim supported by the United States.
Coldrif Case Details
Tests revealed diethylene glycol concentration in Coldrif exceeding 48%, compared to the permissible 0.1%. Consequently, Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ licence was cancelled, and its owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested. A comprehensive inspection of other drug manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu has also been ordered.
The government issued an advisory to all states and union territories, warning against giving cough syrups to children under five years of age, and particularly prohibiting their use for children below two years.
This incident has reignited concerns about drug safety standards in India, prompting stricter oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.