In the wake of the recent child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to the consumption of contaminated cough syrups, the Union Health Ministry convened a high-level meeting on Sunday to review drug safety measures.
The meeting focused on ensuring strict compliance with drug quality norms and promoting the rational use of cough syrups, particularly among paediatric patients, the ministry said in a statement.
The discussions were prompted by reports from Chhindwara, where several child fatalities were linked to contaminated syrup consumption. The Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU) in Nagpur, under the Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), had alerted the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) about a cluster of cases in the district.
A Central team of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) visited the affected areas to investigate.
Laboratory testing of collected samples revealed that one syrup, ‘Coldrif’, contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) beyond permissible limits. The manufacturing unit in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, has faced regulatory action, including the cancellation of its license and initiation of criminal proceedings.
Health Secretary Srivastava directed all States to ensure strict adherence to the Revised Schedule M for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). She also urged rational use of cough syrups in children, noting that most coughs are self-limiting and do not require medication.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of Health Services, advised against prescribing cough syrups or irrational drug combinations for children to avoid side effects. He said the National Joint Outbreak Response Team is actively coordinating efforts between agencies such as NCDC and ICMR to assist States in managing health emergencies.
Dr. Sunita Sharma stressed that cough medications offer minimal proven benefit in children and can pose risks if misused. She said guidelines for doctors, pharmacists, and parents are being formulated to ensure safe usage.
Dr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India, said that all manufacturing units must comply with the revised GMP standards. He noted that firms availing benefits under the government’s infrastructure upgradation scheme have been granted time till December 2025 to meet the new norms.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals informed that several companies have started upgrading facilities under the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS).
