The Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a state wide ban on the “lethal” cough syrup Coldrif, following the deaths of nine children in Chhindwara district between August 24 and October 2. The ban also covers the manufacturer’s other products, as authorities act to prevent further tragedies.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav urged the Tamil Nadu government to investigate, noting that the manufacturing facility is located in Kanchipuram. “The deaths of children in Chhindwara due to Coldrif syrup are extremely tragic. The sale of this syrup and other products from the company has been banned. Strict action is being taken based on the investigation report,” he wrote on X.
Preliminary findings suggest the syrups may have been contaminated with brake oil solvent, a highly toxic substance. Of 660 bottles purchased, 594 were distributed to three Chhindwara distributors, while the remaining stock has been frozen pending laboratory results.
A special protocol has been implemented in local hospitals, where children sick for over two days are monitored for six hours at Civil Hospital before referral to the District Hospital if necessary. Over 1,420 children exhibiting flu-like symptoms are under close observation, with ASHA workers conducting home visits. Samples of the syrups, water, and human tissue have been sent to labs in Pune and Delhi for analysis.
Earlier, Chhindwara authorities had restricted sales to the district only, while Rajasthan had banned 19 batches of similar syrups following two child deaths in Sikar and Bharatpur. Private doctors have been instructed to refer viral cases to government hospitals for better monitoring.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath criticized the state government, alleging negligence and calling for a broader ban on contaminated pharmaceutical products.