Trusted cough syrup Coldrif has been banned in Uttar Pradesh following the tragic deaths of at least 14 children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, where health authorities suspect a deadly link to the medicine. Over the past month, children admitted with acute kidney failure have shocked families and doctors alike, with investigations revealing dangerously high levels of the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) in samples of Coldrif syrup.
Manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, tests found the syrup contained 48.6% DEG, a chemical normally used in industrial solvents and antifreeze, which can cause fatal poisoning even in small amounts. After this alarming discovery, Madhya Pradesh imposed a statewide ban on Coldrif and suspended all medicines made by the company. Neighboring states, including Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and now Uttar Pradesh, have followed suit in banning the syrup to prevent further tragedy.
In Madhya Pradesh, authorities have launched a special investigation, filing criminal charges against the manufacturer, distributors, and medical practitioners who prescribed the syrup. Among those arrested is Dr. Pravin Soni, a government pediatrician who ran a private clinic in Chhindwara and is accused of prescribing Coldrif to several affected children. The probe includes plans to exhume victims’ bodies to collect forensic evidence.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has promised full medical care for affected children and announced ₹4 lakh compensation for each bereaved family, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing this grave public health crisis. This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement of drug safety standards and more vigilant monitoring to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from dangerous adulterated medicines. Several states are now stepping up regulatory actions to contain the fallout and prevent further loss of young lives.
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