Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh): Coldrif cough syrup continues to claim innocent lives after two more children died in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, taking the toll to 16.
These children suffered ‘Kidney failure’ after consuming Coldrif cough syrup precribed by the doctors at government hospitals in Chhindwara. The test reports revealed that the syrup, apparently, contains toxins, following which it was banned by the state government on Saturday morning.
The children were mostly under the age of 5 and were reportedly given the syrup to treat common cold and cough symptoms. Instead of recovering, they suffered kidney failure and died within days.
The first case was reported on September 4 in Chhindwara district. By mid-September, 6 children had died. All had taken cough syrups like Coldrif, which were commonly prescribed by local doctors for cold, cough and mild fever.
As the children's health worsened, doctors noticed decreased urine output and many were rushed to hospitals in Chhindwara. Some were even sent to Maharashtra’s Nagpur for treatment. Despite dialysis, the children could not be saved.
Congress chief Jitu Patwari also visited Chhindwara and met with the families of the victims.
What was in the syrup?
According to the tests, the syrups contained diethylene glycol, which is a toxic chemical used in industrial products like brake fluid and glue. It is extremely harmful and can damage the kidneys, liver and also the nervous system.
In the days that followed, more deaths were reported, including 4 children in Rajasthan, with similar links to cough syrups.
MP CM bans sale of syrup
Initially, Madhya Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla denied any contamination in the medicine.
But after growing pressure and reports, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed the presence of toxic chemicals in Coldrif and announced a complete ban on the syrup’s sale on October 4.
The government has now promised strict action against those responsible. However, the families of the victims are still grieving.
This tragedy has raised serious concerns about the safety and testing of medicines in India.
