The Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) of Chhindwara district, Naresh Gonnade, highlighted the severity of the ongoing crisis, stating, “This marks the 13th confirmed child fatality,” as reported by news agency IANS. However, when asked whether the recent death was linked to the toxic cough syrup, he remained silent. His silence speaks volumes about the grim situation surrounding the cough syrup tragedy in the tribal heartland of Chhindwara.
In recent days, the toxic cough syrup has claimed the lives of several young children aged between one and eight years. Despite the growing number of fatalities, the state government has not officially disclosed the exact toll connected to the contaminated syrup.
Among the victims was Dhani, a frail young girl suffering from a persistent cough and cold. According to her parents, she was prescribed the “deadly” syrup by Dr. Praveen Soni during a consultation at his private clinic in Parasia just days before her condition worsened. As Dhani’s health deteriorated, her parents rushed her to the local Community Health Centre on September 26, where she exhibited severe dehydration and oliguria — clear signs of kidney failure.
The CMHO further stated, “She was under treatment at Nagpur Medical College and died Monday night,” according to IANS. After being transferred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur amid poisoning suspicions, the toddler bravely fought for 11 days on dialysis and ventilator support but eventually succumbed to multi-organ failure. A doctor from Nagpur, speaking to IANS on condition of anonymity, confirmed the severity of her condition.
Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the syrup. DEG is a lethal industrial solvent commonly found in brake fluids and antifreeze. The concentration of DEG in the contaminated batch measured a staggering 48.6%, far exceeding safe limits.
Dr. Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician at the Community Health Centre in Parasia who was also practicing privately, has been in police custody since his arrest on October 5. He faces charges under Sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide and drug adulteration.
The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Parasia police station further implicates Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This company has been blacklisted nationwide due to prior issues.
Following the tragedy and widespread public outrage across Maharashtra, authorities flagged three more cough syrup brands on Monday after detecting similar DEG traces. This has broadened the ongoing investigation, as reported by IANS.
This toxic cough syrup crisis echoes a darker history, reminiscent of the 1986 Mumbai hospital tragedy in which contaminated syrup led to the deaths of 14 children, as documented by IANS.
Since late August, 16 children—primarily from Parasia and Tamia blocks—have died under similar circumstances, with ten having received treatment in Nagpur alone.
In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and promised free treatment for survivors. He has also vowed to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with uncovering lapses in the syrup’s supply chain. “This is unforgivable negligence; no child should pay with their life for substandard drugs,” he declared forcefully.
The state government has taken strict administrative actions by suspending two drug inspectors and a deputy director, and transferring the drug controller. Maharashtra and Punjab have also imposed preemptive bans on the cough syrup brand Coldrif.
At the central level, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched raids across six states, cautioning healthcare practitioners against prescribing paediatric syrups for children under five years of age.
Telangana’s Drugs Control department echoed similar warnings after linking three recent deaths in Rajasthan to the same toxic syrup.
As investigations continue, authorities emphasize vigilance and strict regulatory oversight to prevent further tragedies linked to contaminated medicines.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/death-toll-rises-to-13-in-mp-as-another-toddler-succumbs-under-cough-syrup-horror-23597600