Following the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh due to Coldrif cough syrup, the government has banned all products from Shri Son Pharmaceuticals. Police have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed the syrup.
MP News: Significant action has been taken in Madhya Pradesh after 11 children died from consuming Coldrif cough syrup. The government has immediately banned all products from Shri Son Pharmaceuticals, the company manufacturing the syrup. Furthermore, the doctor who prescribed the syrup has also been arrested. Investigations revealed that the syrup contained excessive amounts of Diethylene Glycol, which proved fatal for the children.
The Tragic Series of Events: 11 Innocent Deaths
When children's health in Bhopal and Chhindwara districts began to deteriorate continuously, parents initially thought it was a common fever or infection. However, as one child after another began to die, the matter took a terrifying turn. According to government reports, 11 children have died in Madhya Pradesh alone after consuming Coldrif cough syrup. It is also reported that many children in other parts of the country are in critical condition.
Dr. Praveen Soni Arrested
During the investigation, Madhya Pradesh police discovered that Dr. Praveen Soni was the one who prescribed Coldrif cough syrup to the children. Police arrested him from the Parasia area of Chhindwara. Dr. Soni is a well-known pediatrician in the area. He works at a government hospital and also runs his own private clinic. According to reports, the doctor advised children to take this syrup for colds and coughs, after which their health further deteriorated.
Dangerous Chemical Found in Syrup
The biggest revelation in the investigation came when samples of the syrup were sent to the drug testing laboratory in Chennai. There, Coldrif cough syrup was found to contain 48.6 percent Diethylene Glycol, whereas the standard limit should be only 0.1 percent. This chemical is primarily used in industrial solvents, and if ingested, it can lead to severe issues like kidney failure and neurological damage.
Ordeal of the Victim Families
Victim families stated that their children had common fever and cold symptoms. They took their children to a local doctor, who prescribed Coldrif cough syrup. A few days after consuming the syrup, children began showing symptoms of kidney infection. Symptoms like burning during urination, vomiting, and urinary retention worsened. Within a few days, the children's condition deteriorated so severely that they could not be saved. One mother said, "We thought what the doctor said was correct, but that very syrup took our child's life."
Government's Major Action: Ban on the Company
Following the incident, the Madhya Pradesh government took immediate action, banning Coldrif cough syrup and all products from Shri Son Pharmaceuticals. The company is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The state government has registered an FIR against the company and initiated an investigation into its production unit. Additionally, the sale and distribution of this syrup have been completely halted across the state.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Issues Strict Directives
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the incident as "horrific and intolerable." He stated that the culprits would not be spared under any circumstances. The Chief Minister has directed the Health Department, police, and Drug Controller to take stringent action. He stated, "The strictest possible measures will be taken against those who play with children's lives. This is not just a medical error, but a crime against humanity."
Investigation Intensifies at Tamil Nadu Factory
The factory of the company producing the cough syrup is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. A team from the Union Health Ministry inspected the factory. Preliminary reports revealed serious negligence in quality control and sample testing at the factory. The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department has also recommended suspending the company's license.
Banned in Other States Too
Coldrif cough syrup has now been banned not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in Delhi, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The Drug Control Authority has instructed all states not to sell, distribute, or use any products from Shri Son Pharmaceuticals. Investigations are also underway to determine if other products from the company contain hazardous ingredients.
Health Department's Warning
The Health Department has appealed to the public that no individual or medical store should use Coldrif syrup or any syrup from Shri Son Pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, families who have recently used this syrup should immediately visit the nearest government hospital for a medical check-up. If children exhibit symptoms such as inability to urinate, vomiting, or abdominal pain, it could be a sign of kidney toxicity.
The Danger of Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a toxic chemical commonly used in brake fluid, paints, and industrial cleaners. If it enters the body, it can cause severe damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. This chemical has a rapid effect on children's bodies, which can even lead to death. The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously warned that DEG has been found in counterfeit or substandard syrups in many countries, leading to the deaths of dozens of children.
