The Indian central government has heightened its vigilance following tragic incidents of fatalities linked to cough syrup consumption. In response, state governments have been urged to ensure that cough medications, particularly those intended for children, are administered correctly. The Ministry of Health has also mandated that pharmaceutical companies adhere to the updated Schedule M guidelines and has issued a stern warning regarding potential consequences for any breaches of these regulations.
Digital Desk, New Delhi. In light of the unfortunate deaths that occurred in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan attributed to cough syrup, the central government took decisive action on Sunday by instructing state authorities to ensure the appropriate use of cough medications, especially for pediatric patients. Officials emphasized that coughs typically resolve without the need for medicinal intervention in most cases.
Additionally, the Union Ministry of Health has called upon all pharmaceutical manufacturers to strictly comply with the revised Schedule M (RSM). The ministry has emphasized that any violations will be met with rigorous enforcement actions. States have been instructed to revoke the licenses of any manufacturers found to be non-compliant with established standards.
High-Level Meeting Convened
A high-level meeting was convened on Sunday, chaired by Punya Salila Srivastava, the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, which brought together representatives from all states and Union Territories. The meeting focused on reviewing adherence to drug quality standards, with particular attention given to the appropriate use of cough syrup in pediatric care. During the discussions, the Principal Secretary of Health in Rajasthan noted that preliminary investigations indicate that the four reported deaths were unrelated to the quality of the cough syrup.
In parallel, an awareness campaign is underway to educate the public about the proper use of pediatric formulations. The Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU) in Nagpur, established as part of the Prime Minister’s Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), has been actively gathering information regarding the incidents and associated fatalities in a locality within the Achhadwada district, as part of the integrated disease monitoring program conducted by the National Disease Control Center (NCDC).
Considering the ongoing situation, a team of experts from NCDC, the National Institute of Virology (NIV), and the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) traveled to Chhindwara and Nagpur to conduct a thorough investigation of the reported cases and associated fatalities. They collaborated with local officials to analyze the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Samples were collected for further examination, and initial findings have suggested that the likelihood of other common infectious diseases being involved is low, with the exception of a single confirmed case of leptospirosis.
(With contributions from news agency PTI)
