Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have arrested a doctor following the tragic deaths of 11 children in Chhindwara, believed to be linked to contaminated cough syrup. The doctor, identified as Praveen Soni, allegedly prescribed the Coldrif syrup, which was consumed by the children, many of whom visited his clinic in Parasia. The police have also implicated the Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, regarding the contamination.
Early on Sunday, Madhya Pradesh police registered an FIR against Sresan Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Soni after the children suffered from acute kidney failure, which was reportedly triggered by the syrup adulterated with a toxic industrial chemical. The FIR was filed at 2:05 a.m. at the Parasia police station and cited violations of multiple legal provisions related to drug safety regulations.
The complaint, lodged by Dr. Ankit Sahlam, Block Medical Officer at Parasia’s Community Health Centre, detailed how several children under five years old succumbed after consuming the syrup, which was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG)—a harmful chemical used in antifreeze and brake fluids. Laboratory tests from the Director of Drugs Control in Tamil Nadu and the government Drug Testing Laboratory in Bhopal confirmed excessive levels of diethylene glycol in the syrup, declaring it “adulterated and injurious to health.”
Witnesses reported that the children, treated for cold, cough, and fever, developed reduced urine output and signs of acute kidney injury shortly after taking the syrup. Ten of the affected children later died during treatment at Nagpur’s Government Medical College and Hospital, while others remain hospitalized due to kidney complications. Investigators have noted that six children are still receiving treatment in Nagpur.
The FIR identifies not only Dr. Soni but also the directors of Sresan Pharmaceuticals and other individuals responsible for the production and distribution of the tainted syrup. Medical records indicated significant kidney damage in one victim, confirming the severity of the situation.
In response to the findings, the Madhya Pradesh government swiftly banned the sale of Coldrif and instructed drug inspectors statewide to seize existing stocks, halt further sales, and collect samples from other batches for testing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his grief over the children’s deaths and promised compensation of Rs 4 lakh to each family affected by this tragedy, assuring that the government would cover the medical costs for those still in care.
The incidents in Madhya Pradesh have raised concerns nationwide, prompting several states to launch investigations. The Central Drug Standards Control Organisation is now implementing risk-based inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing units across six states, including Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, focusing on companies producing cough syrups and similar medications.
The alarming pattern of cough syrup-related fatalities first came to light in late August, concentrated in villages within Parasia tehsil, where all affected children displayed initial symptoms of mild illness before deteriorating due to acute kidney complications.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/12-children-deaths-in-mp-doctor-who-prescribed-poisoned-cough-syrup-arrested/articleshow/124315650.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-10-05 08:25:00
