The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories following reports of child illnesses suspected to be linked to cough syrup use in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The ministry said it had taken note of the cases and directed health authorities to ensure strict monitoring of paediatric medicines and their distribution. A joint central team comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) visited the affected districts earlier this week. The officials collected multiple syrup samples from the field and coordinated with local health departments to assess the situation.
No DEG or EG contamination detected so far
Initial testing by the central agencies has not detected Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) — industrial chemicals sometimes found as contaminants in substandard cough syrups and known to cause kidney damage if consumed. The Health Ministry said in a statement that none of the samples analysed so far have shown any trace of these substances. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration also confirmed that its independent investigation had yielded similar results. Officials added that confirmatory toxicology tests are still under way and that findings from ongoing analyses will determine further action.
Advisory on safe paediatric use
In light of the recent reports, the ministry has asked all states and UTs to ensure the rational use of cough and cold medicines in children, particularly those under five years of age. The advisory, issued through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has urged paediatricians and pharmacists to avoid unnecessary prescriptions of over-the-counter syrups for young children and to maintain proper dosage records. It also calls for enhanced coordination between state drug controllers, public health laboratories and district surveillance units for early detection of any adverse drug reactions.
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Teams continue medical and environmental checks
Experts from NCDC and NIV have collected biological, water and environmental samples to rule out other possible causes behind the reported illnesses. One sample tested positive for Leptospira, a bacteria that can affect the kidneys and liver, though officials said more evidence is needed to establish any link. The Union Health Ministry said a multi-disciplinary team has been formed to oversee the investigation and coordinate between central and state agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS Nagpur.
State governments have been directed to review the quality control mechanisms of locally manufactured cough syrups and ensure that manufacturers maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
