• Source:JND
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Cough Syrup Row: A massive row sparked after nine children died suspiciously in Madhya Pradesh, with parents alleging that their situation deteriorated after consuming cough syrups 'Coldrif' and 'Nextros DS'. The parents claimed that the children shown symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden stoppage of urination, signs of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) poisoning. The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday banned the cough syrup in the entire state on an immediate effect after receiving the detailed reports from the production unit in Tamil Nadu. However, Tamil Nadu government tested and banned the suspected batch within 24 hours after receiving a letter from the Madhya Pradesh government.

How Tamil Nadu government ensured action

- Drugs Control Department received a letter from Madhya Pradesh about Coldrif Syrup on October 1
- A team of inspectors reached at the manufacturing site despite a government holiday
- The team conducted detailed inspection and noticed 39 critical and 325 major violations
- The inspectors drew samples of Coldrif and four other syrups and froze all the remaining stocks
- It also sent the samples to the Chennai government laboratory with special instructions for DEG and ethylene glycol testing

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- The government declared Coldrif Syrup Batch SR-13 not of standard quality within 24 hours
- The report confirmed that the syrup failed the test for ethylene glycol
- The drug inspectors were directed to freeze every available stock at wholesale and retail levels
- The government issued a stop-production order to the firm on October 3
- It also served a show-cause notice to cancel its license in the public interest

Madhya Pradesh government also announced ban

- Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced a ban on the syrup with immediate effects
- The chief minister also assured of a strong action against the people involved in the wrongdoings after receiving a detailed report from the production unit in Tamil Nadu
- Earlier, State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that a concrete step will be taken after receiving reports from the government labs
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Parasia, Shubham Yadav, stated that sales of the drugs have been stopped

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