The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a crucial advisory to all states and Union Territories, urging the rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population. This directive comes in the wake of nine reported deaths among children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, linked to kidney-related complications suspected to be associated with cough syrup consumption.
Investigation Reveals No Toxic Contaminants
A high-level joint team, comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), conducted an on-site investigation. The ministry confirmed that laboratory tests on the collected cough syrup samples showed no presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG). These industrial contaminants are notorious for causing acute kidney injury and were at the centre of global safety alerts involving Indian syrups in the past.
The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) independently tested three samples and corroborated the absence of these dangerous chemicals. Further pathological investigations by NIV Pune on blood and CSF samples identified one positive case for Leptospirosis. Samples of water, insects, and respiratory specimens are under ongoing analysis by institutions like the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
Rajasthan Cases and Formulation Concerns
Addressing separate reports of two child fatalities in Rajasthan, the ministry clarified that the cough syrup in question did not contain Propylene Glycol, a substance that can sometimes be a potential source for DEG/EG contamination. However, the ministry highlighted a critical finding: the product was a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for use in children.
A multi-disciplinary team of specialists from NCDC, NIV, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS Nagpur, and state authorities continues to probe all possible causes behind the tragic incidents.
National Call for Rational Use
The advisory, issued by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), underscores the importance of cautious prescription and administration of cough syrups to children. It serves as a precautionary measure to prevent potential harm, even as the direct chemical link in the Madhya Pradesh cases has not been established. The move aims to reinforce safe medical practices across the country's healthcare system regarding paediatric care.
The government's proactive step seeks to ensure such tragedies are averted through heightened vigilance and adherence to approved medical guidelines for treating children.
