Following a spate of child deaths and illnesses in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, authorities have launched urgent investigations into the role of certain cough syrups, leading to bans on specific batches to prevent further tragedies.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, six children reportedly died over the past month after consuming two types of syrups, including cough medicines. Symptoms reportedly included high fever and difficulty urinating, with the first suspected case recorded on August 24 and the first death on September 7. Acting Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Naresh Gunnade confirmed that the deaths are being treated as suspected kidney infections, possibly linked to the syrups, prompting authorities to ban the medicines and enhance monitoring.
Rajasthan has seen similar incidents. A five-year-old boy in Sikar died after taking dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup under the state’s free medicine scheme, while a three-year-old in Bharatpur became seriously ill. A two-year-old girl in Sanganer was hospitalised in critical condition on September 27 after receiving the same syrup, though she has since been moved out of the ICU. Earlier, children in Bharatpur and Srimadhopur (Sikar district) also fell ill after consuming the syrup. In some cases, even healthcare workers reported adverse reactions.
The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has suspended distribution of all affected batches, specifically KL-25/147 and KL-25/148, manufactured by Kaysons Pharma of Jaipur. A three-member committee has been formed to probe the matter. According to officials, over 133,000 patients had received these batches since June, with no prior complaints until the recent cluster of incidents. Rajasthan Drug Controller Ajay Phatak confirmed that all Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide syrup supplies have been suspended pending laboratory testing, and detailed results are expected within five to six days.
Central authorities, including a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), have collected water, entomological, and drug samples in Chhindwara to rule out infectious causes and test the quality of the syrup. Results from state drug testing laboratories are awaited, and findings will guide further action.
Experts have raised concerns about the suitability of the syrup for pediatric use, noting that all affected children were under four, while the syrup is primarily indicated for adults. Pulmonologists and pediatric specialists are urging parents not to administer over-the-counter cough medicines to young children without medical supervision.
For now, the distribution and use of the implicated batches remain suspended, and authorities are reviewing quality control measures under public health schemes. Further actions, including stricter regulations and safety protocols, are expected once the laboratory and committee findings are finalized.
