JAIPUR, India — Health authorities in Rajasthan have instituted a ban on 22 batches of a generic cough syrup following alarming reports of child fatalities linked to its consumption. This action comes in response to multiple complaints from parents about severe illnesses among children after taking the medication.
The Drug Controller, Ajay Phatak, confirmed that samples from various locations, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Bharatpur, have been collected for testing. The results are anticipated within the next three days. Phatak emphasized the importance of safety, advising that the syrup should not be administered to children younger than five years old.
Recent developments indicate that at least two children have died within a two-day span, alongside several others receiving treatment in hospitals due to complications after ingesting the syrup. Officials revealed that the product had been distributed through government health centers, raising concerns about protocol and regulation.
In an effort to investigate the situation further, a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been deployed to collect water samples and conduct inspections in various hospitals across Rajasthan and neighboring Madhya Pradesh. Reports indicate that multiple children in Madhya Pradesh experienced kidney failure after consuming the same cough syrup.
A media outlet has reported that since early September, at least 14 children under the age of 15 have died as a result of complications believed to be linked to the syrup, with a significant number of incidents occurring in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. The ongoing investigations aim to connect these fatalities to the cough syrup’s consumption.
Officials disclosed that more than 133,000 bottles of the syrup have been distributed across the state since July, amplifying concerns about its widespread use. Families impacted by these tragedies are seeking answers and accountability as health officials continue to examine the product’s safety and efficacy in the pediatric population.
Authorities have called for increased scrutiny of medications distributed in health facilities to ensure the safety of young patients. As the inquiry progresses, the community remains vigilant, awaiting clarity on how such a harmful product entered circulation and led to these tragic outcomes.