Cough Syrup Deaths: Sresan Pharmaceuticals License Permanently Cancelled After 21 Children Die in MP
The tragic deaths of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh have been linked to Coldrif, a cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu. Investigations revealed that the syrup contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), nearly 500 times above the permissible limit, causing kidney failure among children under five.
Permanent License Revocation
The Tamil Nadu Health Minister confirmed that the license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been permanently cancelled. The company's manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram was found to have more than 350 violations, including unhygienic conditions and the use of non-pharma grade chemicals.
Owner Arrested
G. Ranganathan, the 75-year-old owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested in Chennai by Madhya Pradesh police. He faces charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, drug adulteration, and violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
National and Global Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about regulatory gaps in India’s pharmaceutical oversight. Following the deaths, inspections revealed that other cough syrups, such as Respifresh TR and ReLife, were also contaminated with DEG.
Importance of Pharmaceutical Safety
This incident underscores the critical need for strict quality control and regulatory measures in India’s pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety of children and the general public.
