Despite the Chhindwara tragedy in Madhya Pradesh, where 14 children died after consuming toxic cough syrup, medical stores in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat are still selling cough syrups over the counter—ignoring the Centre’s ban on sale without a doctor’s prescription.
The Chhindwara incident was traced to dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a chemical that can cause severe kidney damage. Investigators also found a Gujarat link: pharmaceutical units in Ahmedabad and Surendranagar had supplied raw materials used in the contaminated batch. However, state officials have not revealed what action, if any, has been taken against these companies.
Misuse of cough syrups is also rising in Gujarat, particularly among workers in industrial zones like GIDC, where it is allegedly used as a substitute for alcohol.
Meanwhile, the state’s Food and Drugs Control Administration faces allegations of looking the other way due to corruption, allowing the problem to persist.