Tragic Cough Syrup Incident in Chhindwara: 7 Children Dead, Health Department Takes Action

The tragedy unfolded over a 15-day period in the Parasia block, where the affected children, all under the age of five, were initially treated for what appeared to be a routine seasonal fever. After being prescribed and consuming the cough syrups Coldrif and Nextro-DS, their condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to kidney failure and subsequent death.

Investigation and Immediate Action

Authorities have identified the two cough syrups as the common factor in all cases. Chhindwara Collector Sheelendra Singh has immediately banned the sale of both Coldrif and Nextro-DS across the district. Kidney biopsies performed on the victims strongly suggest contamination with diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical often associated with pharmaceutical poisoning.

The State Health Department has taken decisive action, writing to the governments of Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh, where these syrups are manufactured, requesting an immediate halt to production. So far, 13 samples of the syrups have been sent for laboratory testing to confirm the exact cause of the contamination.

Supply Chain and Medical Scrutiny

Investigations reveal that the supply of these syrups was channeled predominantly to a few select medical stores near the private clinics of specific pediatricians. Prominent pediatricians Dr. Praveen Soni and Dr. Aman Siddiqui are under scrutiny for having prescribed Coldrif syrup to some of the affected children.

One stockist, Rajesh Soni of New Apna Pharma, reported that 170 bottles were seized from his warehouse alone. During the peak season, it is estimated that over 600 bottles of these syrups were supplied monthly in the region.

A Grieving Community Demands Answers

The community is in mourning, with grieving parents seeking justice and answers. "Our children had never even been sick before," said one grieving parent. "This time, they had a small fever. After the syrup, their urine stopped. We couldn't save them".

As the health department awaits the final laboratory reports, authorities are also investigating the extent of the syrup's supply network, which reportedly extends to neighbouring districts including Pandhurna, Seoni, Betul, and Balaghat. Further action, including stricter monitoring of private prescriptions and pharmaceutical supply chains, is expected based on the investigation's findings.