Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh — Health authorities are investigating a string of severe illnesses and fatalities among children that may be linked to cough syrup consumption. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has dispatched a team to collect samples in Chhindwara as part of a broader inquiry into the matter. Reports of similar cases have surfaced in Rajasthan, prompting health officials to conduct urgent tests on batches of dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup and to halt its distribution statewide.
The heightened scrutiny follows the tragic death of a five-year-old boy in Sikar, Rajasthan, who consumed the syrup, which is part of a government initiative offering free medicines. Another young patient, a three-year-old from Bharatpur, also fell seriously ill after using the same product. In Chhindwara, authorities are alarmed by reports that six children have died from suspected kidney infections following the ingestion of two different types of syrups in the last month. In response, local officials have banned Coldrif and Nextro-DS Syrups.
Officials are analyzing various samples — including water, entomological specimens, and pharmaceutical products — as part of the investigation. While testing will help determine the cause of these illnesses, the focus remains on quality issues surrounding the cough syrup.
In Rajasthan, critical incidents involving the syrup have raised red flags. A two-year-old girl who was given the syrup at a government facility in Sanganer was hospitalized in critical condition after being unresponsive. She has since been moved to a general ward from the ICU. The syrup, distributed under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme, faces suspension pending test outcomes. This incident adds to a troubling pattern: multiple children in Bharatpur and Srimadhopur have reported adverse health effects after using the same product, and even health care professionals have experienced distressing symptoms after administering it.
In Madhya Pradesh, medical officials confirmed that issues began surfacing on August 24, with the first death reported on September 7. Symptoms among the affected children included high fever and difficulty urinating. Following these alarming developments, local authorities have enacted a ban on the two syrups and mandated strict oversight of medicines.
The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) received alerts from health officials regarding specific batch numbers of the syrup manufactured by Kaysons Pharma, prompting an immediate suspension of its distribution. A committee has been established to investigate the matter more thoroughly. RMSCL representatives noted that over 133,000 patients had received the syrup since June, with no complaints until the recent cluster of illnesses emerged.
The state’s Drug Controller, Ajay Phatak, acknowledged reports of children becoming ill across various districts. He emphasized that the entire supply of the cough syrup is under review pending test results and has initiated quality testing of the problematic batches. Initial investigations indicate that the syrup may not be suitable for children, as the majority of affected patients are under four years old.
Health experts are urging families to avoid administering cough syrups without medical guidance, particularly for young children. “Parents should consult a physician before giving any medication to their children, especially those under five,” advised a pulmonologist based in Jaipur.
As laboratory tests are pending, health authorities on both state and national levels are gearing up for further action based on findings from the investigation. Until then, the implicated syrups remain off the shelves, placing quality control under increased scrutiny in public health programs.