The central government’s advisory has been implemented. On CM Dhami’s instructions, raids were conducted across the state on banned cough syrups. The FDA inspected medical stores. Several children died in Madhya Pradesh after consuming the syrup

Several children have died after consuming cough syrup in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In response, the central government issued an advisory to all states. Following this, the Uttarakhand government has also launched a strict campaign against banned cough syrups and medicines. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directive, joint teams from the Health Department and the FDA are conducting raids on medical stores, wholesalers, and hospital pharmacies across the state.

Raids on Deadly Cough Syrup: Following the deaths of children in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to the consumption of cough syrup, a nationwide raid campaign has been launched. The central government has also issued a formal advisory and directed all states to follow the advisory. Uttarakhand has also begun acting on the central government’s advisory. Health Secretary R. Rajesh Kumar issued orders to all Chief Medical Officers, directing them to implement the Government of India’s advisory in the state with immediate effect. There can be no greater issue than the safety of children and public health.

Instructions to not prescribe banned cough syrups for children: The Health Secretary issued clear instructions that drug inspectors should collect samples of cough syrups in a phased manner and have them tested in the laboratory, so that any defective or harmful medication can be immediately removed from the market. Furthermore, the Secretary has requested all doctors in the state to take cognizance of the Central Government’s advisory and not prescribe banned cough syrups for children. Because if doctors prescribe these syrups, medical stores will also sell them. Therefore, it is crucial that doctors themselves take responsibility and avoid using banned drugs.

The Additional Commissioner personally took the field to conduct raids: Following the Health Secretary’s order, raids are being conducted on a war footing across the state. The Additional Commissioner personally inspected drug stores in several areas, including Jogiwala and Mohkampur in Dehradun. Drug inspectors in all districts have been instructed to collect samples of syrups from government hospitals, primary health centers, and retail stores within this month and have them tested in the laboratory. Meanwhile, Tajbar Singh Jaggi stated that:

FDA teams are active across the state. If any defects are found at any level, strict legal action will be taken against the concerned company or seller.
– Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner, FDA

CM stated that there will be no compromise on public health: Regarding this matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that:

There will be no compromise on the safety of children and the public’s health. He stated that we are committed to ensuring that every medicine sold in the state is safe and of standard quality. Public health is our top priority, and any laxity regarding children’s safety will not be tolerated. He further stated that the government is also working to further strengthen the drug quality monitoring system in the state.
– Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister

Health Minister stated: Meanwhile, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat stated that:

The state government is strictly following the central government’s advisory. Any negligence related to children’s medicines will not be tolerated. All doctors and pharmacists have been instructed not to prescribe or sell the banned syrups. This step is essential to protect children’s safety and public health.
– Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Health Minister

Key points of the Central Government’s advisory

• Children under two years of age should not be given any type of cough or cold medication without a doctor’s advice.
• The general use of these medications is not recommended for children under five years of age.
• They should only be used on the advice of a specialist physician, in the correct dosage, and for the minimum duration.
• The government has specifically banned syrups containing dextromethorphan and medicines containing the Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride combination for children under four years of age.