• Source:JND
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Cough Syrup Coldrif: Weeks after the tragic deaths of multiple children in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to tainted cough syrup, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged three such products in India, advising countries to notify the agency if any are found in their markets.

Among the flagged syrups is Coldrif, which came under intense scrutiny following the fatalities. The WHO has reportedly listed specific batches of three syrups Coldrif by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

Which Indian cough syrups did the WHO flag as contaminated after the child deaths in Madhya Pradesh?

- Coldrif by Sresan Pharmaceuticals

- Respifresh TR by Rednex Pharmaceuticals

- ReLife by Shape Pharma

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Coldrif Cough Syrup Deaths: Sresan Pharmaceuticals' license cancelled, company shut down | Key Updates

- Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Tamil Nadu, had its manufacturing license revoked after lab tests revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in Coldrif, a toxic substance historically linked to mass poisonings. The syrup is suspected in the deaths of at least 22 children in MP’s Chhindwara district, especially in Parasia village.

- According to Reuters, the WHO stated that these syrups pose serious health risks and could lead to severe or fatal illnesses. The agency had previously sought clarification from Indian authorities regarding possible international distribution of the medicines.

- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) reportedly informed the WHO that the toxic syrups contained DEG at nearly 500 times the permissible limit, and were consumed by children under the age of five who died in MP.

- However, Indian health authorities clarified that none of the affected medicines were exported, a claim echoed by the US, which confirmed no imports of the tainted syrups from India.

- Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department on Monday announced the cancellation of the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceutical company, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, linked with deaths of at least 22 people in Madhya Pradesh.

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- The state health department stated that the company has been officially shut down after its investigation of toxic contaminants, specifically Diethylene Glycol (DEG), in their cough syrup, Coldrif.

- Additionally, the department ordered comprehensive inspections across all pharmaceutical manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu, and large-scale inspections are currently in progress throughout the State.

- A Parasia court sent Sresan Pharma owner Ranganathan to 10-day police custody after he was arrested on October 9 in Chennai by an SIT from Madhya Pradesh.

- Two senior drug inspectors have also been suspended for dereliction of duty. The Tamil Nadu government has ordered comprehensive inspections of other pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in the state.

- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out searches at seven locations in Chennai linked to Sreesan Pharma under money laundering in the case of 'Coldrif' cough syrup, which caused the death of several children, officials said.

- Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara Chemist Association has gone on an indefinite strike in protest against the recent action taken by authorities, which included sealing several medical stores. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla reported that the death toll from consuming Coldrif cough syrup has risen to 20 in the state, with five children currently undergoing treatment.