New Delhi: A spate of child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups has triggered alarm across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, prompting swift government action and nationwide advisories. So far, at least 11 children have died after consuming the medicines.
#WATCH Rewa: Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla says, “In Chhindwara, a report was received late last night regarding Coldrif syrup company, which was sent for testing on October 1. The received report found 48% toxic substances…A letter has been written to… pic.twitter.com/RyFQWkDWsX
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2025
Union Health Ministry Issues Strong Warning
The Union Health Ministry has advised that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years. The advisory further states that such medicines are generally not recommended for children below five, and any use above that age should be carefully evaluated and closely monitored by doctors.
In a formal communication to the Directors of Health Services in all States and Union Territories, the Ministry emphasized caution following deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, linked to contaminated syrups. A multidisciplinary team is still analyzing samples and other factors to determine the exact cause of deaths in Chhindwara, MP.
Madhya Pradesh: Coldrif Syrup Banned
In Madhya Pradesh, nine children reportedly died due to suspected kidney failure after consuming Coldrif syrup, manufactured in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Reacting to the tragedy, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the deaths “extremely tragic” and requested an inquiry by the Tamil Nadu government. The sale of Coldrif has been banned in the state from October 1.
Rajasthan Government Suspends Officials, Halts Medicines
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government has suspended Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma and halted distribution of 19 medicines supplied by Jaipur-based Kayson Pharma after two children died and several fell ill under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme. Sharma was accused of influencing the drug standard evaluation process.
Authorities have also suspended all cough syrups containing dextromethorphan across manufacturers, as multiple batches were found substandard. According to Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL), 42 out of 10,119 tested samples from Kayson Pharma since 2012 failed quality standards. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a detailed probe with an expert committee to investigate the issue.
Tamil Nadu Inquiry and Toxic Contamination
The syrups were reportedly contaminated with Diethylene Glycol, a toxic chemical known to cause kidney failure, India Today reported. The Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of Coldrif syrup following the incidents and is testing samples from the manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district.
The tragedies have sparked nationwide concern over child medicine safety, prompting the Union Health Ministry to reinforce strict guidelines on prescribing cough syrups to children.
