A Mother's Vigil: Hope Amidst Despair
Radha Yaduwanshi spends her days and nights outside the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at AIIMS Nagpur, clinging to hope as her three-year-old son Harsh battles severe brain and kidney damage caused by Coldrif cough syrup. The Madhya Pradesh native has become a permanent fixture at the hospital, refusing to leave her son's side despite the emotional and financial strain.
The Tragic Timeline: From Cough to Critical Condition
In late September, Harsh developed cough and cold symptoms in their village of Tikabarri in Betul district. Paediatrician Dr Praveen Soni prescribed Coldrif cough syrup, unaware of the devastating consequences that would follow. By October 1, both of Harsh's kidneys had stopped functioning, forcing Radha to make the desperate journey to Nagpur for specialized treatment.
The family's crisis was compounded by personal circumstances. Radha's husband, Gokul, was lodged in Multai jail over a family feud when their son fell ill. He managed to secure bail briefly to visit his critically ill son for just one hour, but has since obtained long-term bail and is now traveling to Nagpur to join his wife.
Government Response and Treatment Challenges
The Madhya Pradesh government transferred approximately Rs 1 lakh for Harsh's initial treatment at a private hospital in Nagpur. However, after seven days at New Health City Hospital, doctors admitted they lacked the necessary equipment to treat his condition, leading to his transfer to AIIMS on October 7.
According to senior AIIMS officials, Harsh remains in critical condition. While his kidney function has improved enough that he no longer requires dialysis and is passing urine independently, the major concern remains his brain function. He continues to need ventilator support as he cannot breathe on his own.
Doctors have observed some recent positive developments. "The day before yesterday, for the first time, we thought that he was trying to trigger breath," revealed a senior official, while cautioning that it's too early to draw conclusions about his recovery.
A Mother's Unwavering Determination
Radha's daily routine revolves around her son. She sleeps at the hospital, using the meal plate provided for Harsh and occasionally visiting the nearby Dharamshala for food. "I go check on Harsh four-five times even during the night, and I sit by him during the day too," she shared emotionally.
Her most heartbreaking ritual involves talking to her unresponsive son. "I call out to him and talk to him, even if he does not respond. I say to him, 'Betu, open your eyes, we have to go home.' He does not look or respond to anything, but I talk to him daily, hoping for a miracle."
The family's agricultural livelihood has suffered severely during this crisis. With Gokul initially in jail and Radha constantly at the hospital, their two-acre farm in the village remains unattended, exacerbating their financial struggles.
Broader Impact and Regulatory Action
The Coldrif poisoning case has triggered significant regulatory responses. Multiple state governments have banned the cough syrup, and the Central government has issued advisories regarding the use of such syrups for children.
Another child, Kunal Yaduwanshi from Parasia in Chhindwara, is also recovering at AIIMS Nagpur from similar Coldrif poisoning. Doctors report that Kunal's condition shows more promising signs of improvement, with his kidney function normalized and brain function slowly recovering.
AIIMS officials confirmed that the Madhya Pradesh government is covering all treatment costs for the affected children, including reimbursing families for expenses like diapers that they've paid for out-of-pocket.
Despite the government's financial support, Radha feels isolated in her struggle. "No one from the Madhya Pradesh government had called us," she revealed, though officials maintain they're closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance.
As Radha waits for her husband's arrival and continues her vigil, medical professionals emphasize they're taking Harsh's recovery "one day at a time," reflecting the uncertainty that continues to shadow this family's nightmare.
