The tragic deaths of 11 children in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, due to the consumption of ColdRif cough syrup have sparked widespread concern across the country. Pediatrician Dr. Praveen Soni, who allegedly recommended the syrup at his private clinic despite being a government doctor, has been arrested, and the Madhya Pradesh government has suspended him. Officials confirmed that most of the affected children had received treatment at Dr. Soni’s clinic.
Authorities have also registered a case against Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the manufacturer of ColdRif syrup. Laboratory tests revealed that the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance responsible for damaging the children’s kidneys. Following tests at the Chennai Drug Testing Laboratory, the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate declared the syrup “not of standard quality.” In response, the Madhya Pradesh government banned the sale of ColdRif syrup and temporarily suspended sales of Nectro-DS, another syrup produced by the same company, while further tests are conducted.
In a precautionary measure, the Telangana government has also imposed an immediate ban on the use and sale of ColdRif syrup in the state. The decision follows reports confirming child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to the syrup. Officials stated that approximately 12 children across these states lost their lives after consuming the toxic medicine. The Telangana Drug Control Administration has advised the public to avoid the syrup, emphasizing that the ban is in effect immediately to prevent further fatalities.