India’s cough syrup crisis has intensified as new critical cases emerge in Rajasthan. Families report children falling ill after taking syrup containing Dextromethorphan, raising serious safety concerns.
Jaipur/Sikar/Chhindwara – IIndia’s cough syrup crisis deepens as new critical cases emerge in Rajasthan, raising alarm over the safety of cough syrups given to children. Two more children from Rajasthan’s Sikar district fell unconscious after taking a prescribed cough syrup. They are now in the ICU at JK Lone Hospital in Jaipur.
According to their families, the children developed a cough and cold on September 16. A local doctor at Hatheeda Primary Health Centre prescribed them a syrup containing Dextromethorphan. Soon after taking it, both lost consciousness.
These cases follow three child deaths in Rajasthan and nine in Madhya Pradesh linked to cough syrup toxicity. The rising toll has triggered panic and prompted nationwide scrutiny of cough syrup safety.
Rajasthan Suspends 19 Kaysons Drugs, Launches Probe
The Rajasthan government has banned all 19 drugs manufactured by Kaysons Pharma, a Jaipur-based firm under investigation for poor drug quality. Officials also suspended Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma, accusing him of interfering in pharmaceutical quality assessments.
Since 2012, health authorities tested over 10,000 samples from Kaysons Pharma. Forty-two samples failed to meet quality standards, according to Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd. (RMSCL)
Read: https://newshashtag.com/cough-syrup-deaths-rajasthan-kayson-pharma-ban/
Rajasthan’s Role in India’s Cough Syrup CrisisTo prevent further risk
the state has also paused distribution of all cough syrups with Dextromethorphan. This follows a Union Government advisory warning against its use in children under four. The state has reissued the warning, citing the current crisis.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a high-level investigation. An expert panel will study the suspected contamination and suggest safety measures. Health Minister Gajendra Singh said public health must come first and called for strict action against anyone found responsible.
Toxic Chemical Found in Tamil Nadu-Made Syrup
While Rajasthan battles local contamination, a separate probe in Madhya Pradesh points to a deeper issue. Earlier tests showed no contamination in cough syrup samples collected after nine children died in Chhindwara. But new tests from a different batch tell a different story.
The Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration tested samples of Coldrif Cough Syrup, made by M/s Sresan Pharma in Kanchipuram. Results released on September 3 confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG)—a toxic chemical linked to past mass poisonings.
Tamil Nadu authorities responded immediately. They ordered a production halt, served a show-cause notice, and began procedures to cancel the company’s manufacturing license.
Nationwide Inspections Begin as Safety Rules Tighten
To prevent further tragedies, the Union Government launched risk-based inspections across six states. These inspections cover the production sites of all 19 drugs under scrutiny. Experts from CDSCO, ICMR-NEERI, NIV, and AIIMS Nagpur are working together to test more samples and study environmental factors.
Meanwhile, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has clarified safety guidelines. Syrups with Dextromethorphan should not be given to children under two. Only children over five may receive the medication.
The government has also proposed new labeling rules. All medicines that pose risks to children or pregnant women must carry clear warning labels to improve consumer safety.
With child deaths rising and toxic ingredients surfacing in multiple states, India faces a tough reckoning over its drug regulation system. Families wait for answers, while health authorities rush to prevent the next tragedy.
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, Prabha’s professional stints include working with Sahara English Magazine and JAIN TV and All India Radio. She has also produced several documentary films through her self-owned production house Gajpati Communications. She is also the Station Director of Aligarh-based FM Radio Station, and the General Secretary of WADA NGO.
