Cough syrup deaths: CDSCO to seek strict action against manufacturer; doctor arrested in MP

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will seek strict action against the manufacturer of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup following the death of several children in Madhya Pradesh.

According to sources, the CDSCO will write to Tamil Nadu FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in this regard, seeking strict measures against the Chennai-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

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The development comes after the death of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly after consuming Coldrif cough syrup. The affected children are from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of the cough syrup and ordered the removal of the medication from the market.

In view of the children’s death, the Union Health Secretary is also likely to hold a virtual meeting with Principal Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories and Drug Controllers on rational use of cough syrups and quality of drugs.

MP Doctor, who prescribed ‘Coldrif’, arrested

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh doctor who prescribed the contaminated cough syrup has reportedly been arrested by the police.

According to reports, Dr Praveen Soni had allegedly prescribed the Coldrif syrup to several children who were being treated at his private clinic in Parasia.

The police have also registered a case against the Coldrif manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceuticals.