The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 8th October asked Indian authorities to clarify whether the Coldrif cough syrup, linked to several child deaths, had been exported. The agency said it would decide on issuing a Global Medical Products Alert once it received official confirmation.

At least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh have died from kidney infections allegedly caused by consuming contaminated Coldrif syrup. State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla said this was the case. Tests by the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Authority revealed 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG) in the syrup. The Health Ministry later confirmed DEG contamination in samples from the Tamil Nadu manufacturing unit.

A police team from Madhya Pradesh has gone to Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, to arrest the company owner. The victims include 17 children from Chhindwara, two from Betul, and one from Pandhurna.

On 6th October, the state government suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration. They also transferred the state’s drug controller. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the incident. Furthermore, a case has been filed against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer.

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