The World Health Organization has raised a global alarm regarding a tainted medication that has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 children. Reports from India indicated that these young victims, all under the age of five, perished in central India after consuming a harmful cough syrup. Tragically, the children from Madhya Pradesh passed away within the last month after ingesting the syrup, which contained diethylene glycol [DEG] at levels nearly 500 times the safe limit.
DEG, commonly used as an industrial solvent or antifreeze, can be lethal even in small doses. Following the incident, Indian authorities apprehended S. Ranganathan, the owner of the company responsible for the deadly Coldrif syrup.
In response to a report from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India on October 8, the WHO has issued an alert for certain “oral liquid medicines” found in cold, flu, or cough remedies. The tainted products, identified as specific batches of COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma respectively, have prompted immediate actions in India. Production at the implicated facilities has been halted, and a recall of the contaminated items has been initiated.
While there are no indications that the tainted medicines have been exported outside of India, the WHO recommends vigilance in monitoring unregulated supply chains. The agency warns that these products pose significant health risks, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening conditions. Symptoms of DEG poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary issues, headaches, cognitive changes, and kidney damage, which could be fatal. Individuals who suspect exposure to the toxic substance are advised to seek urgent medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed the unfortunate loss of 20 children due to the incident. The arrested individual, Ranganathan, was taken into custody in Chennai and is expected to face legal proceedings in Chhindwara. Efforts to remove the contaminated medicine from circulation are ongoing, with authorities conducting random testing and recalling affected products.
Local officials reported that a significant number of bottles of the syrup had been distributed in the region over the past six weeks. Indian regulations mandate rigorous testing of both raw materials and finished products by drug manufacturers. Since 2023, additional scrutiny has been required for the export of cough syrups, following previous incidents in other countries linked to Indian products.
Furthermore, Indian authorities have cautioned against the use of two other locally available syrups – Respifresh and RELIFE, produced by Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals, both situated in Gujarat. Tests revealed that these products also contain the harmful chemical, prompting concerns over their safety.
