The BRICS TimesThe Coldrif syrup, which recently caused a massive public outcry after numerous child fatalities, is reportedly one of three syrups the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning against.
Global Health Alert on Contaminated Medicines
The tragic deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh were allegedly linked to a contaminated cough syrup. Following this incident, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified three such syrups in India. The global body is now urging all countries to report if they detect these products. This proactive step follows the heartbreaking fatalities. The infamous Coldrif syrup is included in this recent warning. It caused a huge backlash after the recent child deaths.
Identifying the Risky Batches
The global health agency identified specific batches of three different medicines. These include Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals and Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals. The third flagged syrup is ReLife from Shape Pharma. Sresan Pharmaceuticals is a Tamil Nadu-based company. Its manufacturing license was recently fully revoked amid the outrage over the Coldrif cough syrup. Lab tests confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG). This chemical is historically linked to mass poisoning events. The toxic syrup is connected to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. Most victims were residents of Parasia village in Chhindwara. The WHO stated these Indian-identified syrups pose grave dangers, according to news agency Reuters. They could cause severe, potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Indian Authorities’ Response to WHO
The global health agency had previously questioned Indian authorities. They wanted to know if the toxic syrup was shipped to other countries. This query came after the children’s deaths and the crackdown on Coldrif’s maker. The WHO planned to issue a Global Medical Products Alert based on India’s response. News agency PTI reported this information last week. Reuters now reports that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) responded to the WHO. The CDSCO informed that the cough syrups contained toxic diethylene glycol. The amount was found to be over 480 times the maximum safe limit. This contaminated medicine was consumed by the deceased children. All these children were under five years old. However, the Indian health authority clarified one important fact. None of the contaminated medicines were exported from India. The US also confirmed they did not receive the toxic cough syrups.
The Deadly Contamination and Its Fallout
The Coldrif cough syrup from Tamil Nadu raised a major alarm recently. This was after several children died tragically in Madhya Pradesh. Testing revealed the syrup was dangerously contaminated. The toxic chemical was diethylene glycol (DEG). Its concentration was found to be around 48.6%. This is far beyond the safe limit of 0.1%. Sresan Pharmaceuticals produced the now-banned syrup. The firm’s manufacturing license was revoked, and its owner, G Ranganathan, was arrested. Authorities also ordered a detailed inspection. This covered other drug manufacturing companies located in the southern state. Following the child fatalities, the government released an advisory. It urged states and union territories to be cautious when prescribing cough syrups to children. The advisory stressed that such medications should not be given to children below two years old. They are also generally not advised for those under five.
