Bhopal: The tragedy surrounding contaminated Coldrif Syrup in Madhya Pradesh has deepened, with the death toll now reaching 20. Two more children succumbed to kidney failure in the past 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities in Chhindwara district to 16. In Nagpur, six children remain hospitalized, five of whom are in critical condition due to kidney failure caused by the toxic syrup.
The syrup, manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, was found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical used in antifreeze and other industrial applications. DEG is known to cause acute kidney damage and has been linked to several deadly pharmaceutical scandals worldwide, including the 2022 Gambia incident that claimed multiple young lives.
Authorities acted swiftly following the discovery. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to probe the circumstances that allowed the contaminated syrup to enter the market. Criminal cases have been filed against Sresan Pharma, while a Chhindwara-based doctor has been arrested for alleged negligence in prescribing the syrup to children.
In a precautionary move, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on the sale and distribution of Coldrif Syrup within the state. Health officials across India have also been instructed to closely monitor the use of cough syrups, especially those sourced from smaller pharmaceutical companies, to prevent further incidents.
This incident has sparked nationwide concern over drug safety and regulatory oversight. Experts are calling for stricter enforcement of pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, rigorous testing of medicines, and better awareness among healthcare providers to avoid such tragedies in the future.
Families of the affected children are demanding justice, and public outrage continues to grow as questions mount over how a product meant to heal could instead prove fatal.
The Madhya Pradesh government has assured that all affected families will receive medical and financial assistance, while authorities continue their investigation to hold all responsible parties accountable.