Amid MP child deaths row, world health body flags these three Indian cough syrups as contaminated

Amid a row over the death of children linked to a contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has flagged three syrups manufactured in India, including the infamous Coldrif.

 

The WHO urged authorities worldwide to report to the agency if any of these products are detected in their countries.

 

The health body has identified specific batches of Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma as contaminated.

 

WHO warned that these syrups could cause severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

 

Coldrif, manufactured in Tamil Nadu, sparked a health scare after it was found to be dangerously contaminated with the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG).

 

The Tamil Nadu government has revoked the manufacturing licence of Kancheepuram-based Sresan Pharmaceutical company after over 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, mostly residents of Parasia in Chhindwara district, died due to suspected renal failure after consuming the banned syrup.

 

Some other children are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

 

"The drug manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been completely cancelled, and the company has been closed. Orders have been given to conduct a detailed inspection of other drug manufacturing companies located in Tamil Nadu," the Tamil Nadu government said in a release on Monday.

 

The Drug Control Department had, during an inspection, found the cough syrup contained 48.6 per cent of DEG, a toxic substance. The MP Police have recently arrested the company's owner, G. Ranganathan.

Health