A shocking incident in the Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh has left one child dead and another battling for life after both were administered a cough syrup allegedly purchased from a local hospital.
The incident occurred in Patna village, about 30 km from the district headquarters, and has triggered an official investigation and the sealing of the hospital involved, officials confirmed on Friday.
According to the family, Neha Diwakar gave her two sons—20-month-old Rohan and 9-month-old Sohan—a cough syrup on the morning of December 5. The syrup, Cofgyn, manufactured by Phygyn Pharmaceuticals, Indore, had reportedly been obtained earlier from Guru Hospital in the Bidhuna area.
Neha administered 5 ml to the elder child and 2.5 ml to the younger one. The children fell asleep around 8 am. But even after four hours, neither woke up. When Neha attempted to rouse them, she found both unresponsive, their bodies limp and eyes partially closed.
The family rushed the children to multiple hospitals, but all refused treatment, citing their critical condition. Barouna Hospital declined admission, Kudarkot Hospital also turned them away, and Guru Hospital, from where the syrup was originally sourced, refused as well.
Eventually, the family reached the Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared 20-month-old Rohan dead, stating he had stopped breathing about 10 minutes earlier. The younger child, Sohan, was found in critical condition and was immediately referred to Saifai Medical College in Etawah.
On the way, Rohan’s uncle, who had some knowledge of CPR, continued stimulating the child to keep him responsive. After nearly two hours, doctors at Saifai managed to revive him. He remains hospitalised and under observation even a week after the incident.
The cough syrup Cofgyn—manufactured in March 2024 and expiring in February 2027—has come under suspicion. Although marked with an MRP of Rs 92, market sources say its actual procurement price ranges between Rs 20–25, raising questions about its distribution chain.
Drug inspectors and health officials recovered the syrup bottle and sealed Guru Hospital. The child’s viscera has been sent to Lucknow for forensic examination. Actions will depend on the report findings.
The family alleges that representatives from the sealed hospital visited their home, offering money in exchange for changing their statement. The family refused.
Auraiya DM Dr Indramani Tripathi has ordered a detailed investigation. Drug Inspector Jyotsna Anand initially suggested possible parental delay or misjudgment, stating the child had been vomiting before being given the syrup.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Surendra Kumar confirmed that the syrup samples were seized and the hospital was sealed immediately after the incident.
The investigation now hinges on the forensic report of the syrup and viscera, which will determine whether this was a case of toxicity, improper dosage, or medical negligence.