Lagatar24 Desk
Bhopal: A stark contrast has emerged between Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh over their response to a fatal cough syrup contamination case. While Tamil Nadu identified, tested, and banned the suspect batch within 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh — where nine children have died — continues to await laboratory reports, raising questions about bureaucratic inertia in the face of a public health emergency.
Tamil Nadu Acts Rapidly, Uncovers Massive Violations
On October 1, Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department received a letter from Madhya Pradesh regarding Coldrif Syrup, batch SR-13, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kanchipuram. Despite a government holiday, inspectors reached the plant the same evening, conducting a thorough inspection that uncovered 39 critical and 325 major violations. Samples of Coldrif and four other syrups were drawn and sent to Chennai’s government laboratory for urgent testing.
Within 24 hours, the government analyst issued Form-13, confirming that Coldrif Syrup Batch SR-13 was adulterated with 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent linked to acute kidney failure. The syrup also failed the ethylene glycol test, though the other four syrups were found to be of standard quality.
The Tamil Nadu government responded by issuing statewide alerts, freezing stocks at wholesale and retail levels, and notifying neighbouring states. On October 3, it served a stop-production order to the manufacturer, issued a show-cause notice for licence cancellation, and urged the public to report any remaining stocks. Deputy Director of Drugs Control S Gurubharathi described this as the first time in India that inspection, testing, and a production halt were completed within two days — even during holidays.
Madhya Pradesh Investigation Mired in Delays
In contrast, Madhya Pradesh’s response has been marked by hesitation. State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla claimed that preliminary tests found no toxic substances, while reports for remaining samples are still pending. Officials insist action will only follow “proof of responsibility,” despite biopsy findings pointing to toxic kidney damage.
Nine children — Shivam, Vidhi, Adnan, Usaid, Rishika, Hetansh, Vikas, Chanchalesh, and Sandhya — have died after being administered Coldrif and Nextros DS syrups. Symptoms of DEG poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stoppage of urination, were observed within days of treatment. Dr Prabhakar Tiwari of the National Health Mission has privately acknowledged that renal biopsies indicate poisoning.
The discrepancy has left grieving families questioning why Tamil Nadu acted decisively within hours while Madhya Pradesh continues to stall.
Political and Administrative Reactions
The sluggish investigation in Madhya Pradesh has drawn public outrage, especially when compared with Tamil Nadu’s swift intervention. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan — where three children died — State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar went a step further, blaming parents for purchasing the syrup privately and absolving the health department of responsibility.
The tragic deaths highlight a deeper governance gap: when one state can act overnight to protect public health, why must another delay action even as families bury their children?
