The Tamil Nadu government has stopped the sale of the cough syrup “Coldrif” after reports linked it to the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The syrup, made by a Chennai-based pharmaceutical company, is now under investigation due to safety concerns.
Government Bans Sale and Removes Syrup from Market
From October 1, Tamil Nadu’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department officially banned Coldrif and asked shops to remove it from their shelves. The department also directed distributors to stop selling or supplying the syrup anywhere in the state.
Officials visited the company’s manufacturing unit in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district, and collected syrup samples for testing. These samples have been sent to government laboratories to check for the presence of Diethylene Glycol, a harmful chemical that can cause kidney failure and serious illness if consumed.
Health Ministry Issues Warning Across India
Following the reports, the Union Health Ministry has issued a nationwide warning. It advised doctors not to prescribe cough or cold syrups to children below two years of age. This step was taken after several cases of child deaths were reported from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where contaminated cough syrups were suspected to be the cause.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has also asked all states and union territories to closely monitor syrup production and ensure strict quality checks.
Company Told to Stop Production Until Results Are Out
The pharmaceutical company that makes Coldrif has been asked to pause its production temporarily until the laboratory reports are released. According to officials, this company supplies its medicines to Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan as well.
A food safety officer said, “We have ordered the company to stop making the syrup until the test results come. The Union government will also test the samples to confirm the findings.”
The report from the laboratories is expected to be released soon.
Political Reactions to the Incident
After the tragedy, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath claimed that a “brake oil solvent” might have been mixed in the cough syrup, which led to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district. His statement raised more questions about quality control and safety in the pharmaceutical industry.
Why Quality Pharma Manufacturing Matters
Incidents like this show why safe and ethical medicine manufacturing is so important. Every product must go through proper testing before it reaches patients. Trusted and compliant manufacturers that follow WHO-GMP standards play a big role in protecting public health.
Many reliable firms, such as those offering pharma contract manufacturing company services, are ensuring that medicines are made under strict safety and quality rules. These companies help maintain transparency and trust in the healthcare system.
How Monopoly-Based Pharma Models Help Maintain Quality
Another effective approach is the monopoly medicine company in India model. Under this system, only one distributor or franchise partner handles a product in a specific area. This reduces the chances of fake or contaminated medicines entering the market and helps maintain quality control.
It also allows pharma businesses to provide genuine, safe, and approved products to customers.
Conclusion
The Coldrif cough syrup ban is a strong reminder of why medicine safety and quality must always come first. Children’s health cannot be risked due to poor production or negligence.
By choosing trusted pharma manufacturers and adopting ethical business models like monopoly distribution and contract manufacturing, India can make its pharmaceutical sector safer and more reliable for everyone.