Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar on Saturday denied claims that recent child deaths in the state were caused by contaminated cough syrup. Speaking in Jaipur, he stated that the children had underlying illnesses—one with meningitis and another with a respiratory infection—and had not consumed government-supplied medicines that led to their deaths. He emphasised that the medicines tested were found to be safe.
Khinvsar acknowledged that administering adult medicines to young children can be harmful and announced the introduction of a system to clearly indicate which medicines are suitable for children and pregnant women. He insisted there was no government negligence, noting that in one instance, a medicine was given by a nurse and pharmacist, but the child remained healthy.
The statement comes amid reports of 11 child deaths—nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan—allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups. The controversy intensified after three children in Rajasthan reportedly died after consuming Gatiman cough syrup, prompting the government to ban the medicine on September 28.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Prem Chand Bairwa said the government is taking the matter seriously and a committee has been formed to investigate, with strict action promised against any guilty parties. The health minister’s rebuttal followed the suspension of State Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma over alleged irregularities in drug testing and distribution.
Meanwhile, the Medical and Health Department halted the supply of all 19 medicines manufactured by Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma and all other syrups containing dextromethorphan until further orders. Officials noted that the Union government had already issued advisories against giving dextromethorphan to children under four, and the Drug Controller General of India recently reiterated that it should only be prescribed to children above five.
Since 2012, over 10,000 samples of Kaysons Pharma medicines have been tested, with 42 failing quality standards. Khinvsar reiterated that medicines in government stock had been tested four times and found safe, but further sampling would continue wherever doubts exist. The Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma, has ordered a detailed probe and the formation of an expert committee to investigate the matter further.
