Doctor Detained After Deaths of Children from Cough Syrup

A government paediatrician in Madhya Pradesh has been detained following the tragic deaths of at least 13 children linked to a toxic cough syrup. Dr. Praveen Soni, who also runs a private clinic, was taken into custody late on Saturday night in Chhindwara district. The children reportedly consumed Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresun Pharmaceuticals, which has been found to contain a dangerous level of diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical known to cause severe health issues, including kidney failure.

The fatalities occurred over the past month, with most of the affected children treated at Dr. Soni's clinic. They initially presented with mild symptoms but soon developed serious complications. Post-mortem examinations confirmed poisoning from the syrup. In response to the situation, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale of Coldrif syrup and is investigating the manufacturer.

Chhindwara Superintendent of Police, Ajay Pandey, stated that a case has been filed against Dr. Soni and Sresun Pharmaceuticals under various sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "We are going to thoroughly interrogate him before formally arresting him," Mr. Pandey said, adding that a team will be sent to Tamil Nadu to further investigate the manufacturer.

The incident has raised alarms across several states, prompting Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala to also impose bans on Coldrif syrup. Rajasthan has reported three similar child deaths, leading to heightened concerns about public health. The state has suspended all medicines from Kaysan Pharma, which is linked to adverse effects from another cough syrup.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the situation as "extremely tragic" and assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible. The government is committed to ensuring public safety and has formed a team to investigate the matter thoroughly. Authorities are also reviewing the manufacturing practices of Sresun Pharmaceuticals to prevent future incidents.