Madhya Pradesh, Oct 14 : The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health advisory cautioning against the use of three Indian manufactured cough syrups, following the deaths of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly caused by contaminated medicine.
Among the flagged syrups is Coldrif, produced by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which has been linked to the fatalities in Chhindwara district. The other two are Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals and ReLife from Shape Pharma. The WHO warned that these contaminated syrups could cause life-threatening illnesses if consumed.
Investigations revealed that Coldrif contained nearly 500 times the permissible limit of the toxic substance diethylene glycol. In response, the Tamil Nadu government revoked the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, and the company’s owner has been arrested in connection with the deaths.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has informed the WHO that none of the contaminated batches were exported, and US authorities have confirmed that these syrups were not shipped to their country. The WHO has urged global health authorities to report if they detect these products in their markets.