Dehradun: Several cases of children dying after consuming cough syrup have been reported in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In response, the central government issued an advisory to all states. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directive, joint teams from the Health Department and the FDA are conducting raids on medical stores, wholesalers, and hospital pharmacies across the state.
Raids on deadly cough syrup: Following the deaths of children in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to the consumption of cough syrup, a nationwide raid campaign has been launched. The central government has issued a formal advisory and directed all states to follow the advisory. In response to the Central Government’s advisory, Uttarakhand has also initiated action. Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar issued orders to all Chief Medical Officers, stating that the Government of India’s advisory should be implemented in the state with immediate effect. There is no more pressing issue than the safety of children and public health.
Instructions to Not Prescribe Banned Cough Syrups for Children: The Health Secretary issued clear instructions that drug inspectors should collect samples of cough syrups in a phased manner and have their quality tested in a laboratory, so that any defective or harmful drug can be immediately removed from the market. Furthermore, the Secretary has requested all doctors in the state to take cognizance of the Central Government’s advisory and not prescribe banned cough syrups for children. Because if doctors prescribe these syrups, medical stores will also sell them. Therefore, it is crucial that doctors themselves demonstrate responsibility and avoid using banned drugs.
The Additional Commissioner personally took the field to conduct raids: Following the Health Secretary’s order, raids are being conducted on a war footing across the state. The Additional Commissioner himself inspected drug stores in several areas of Dehradun, including Jogiwala and Mohkampur. Drug inspectors in all districts have been instructed to collect samples of syrups from government hospitals, primary health centers, and retail stores and have them tested in the laboratory within this month. Meanwhile, Tajbar Singh Jaggi stated that FDA teams are active across the state. If any defects are found at any level, strict legal action will be taken against the concerned company or seller.
-Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner, FDA-
CM stated that public health will not be compromised: Regarding this issue, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that:
“There will be no compromise on the safety of children and public health. We are committed to ensuring that every drug sold in the state is safe and of standard quality. Public health is our top priority, and any laxity regarding children’s safety will not be tolerated.” He further stated that the government is also working to further strengthen the drug quality monitoring system in the state.
” -Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister-
Health Minister said: Meanwhile, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat stated that the state government is following the central government’s advisory with utmost seriousness. Any negligence related to children’s medicines will not be tolerated. All doctors and pharmacists have been instructed not to prescribe or sell the banned syrup. This step is essential for the safety of children and to protect public health.
-Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Health Minister-
Key points of the Central Government’s advisory
- Children under two years of age should not be given any type of cough or cold medication without a doctor’s advice.
- The general use of these medications is not recommended for children under five years of age.
- They should only be used on the advice of a specialist physician, in the correct dosage, and for the minimum duration.
- The government has specifically banned syrups containing dextromethorphan and medicines containing the Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride combination for children under four years of age.
