Cough Syrup Deaths: Centre Flags Tamil Nadu’s Inaction, State Defends Swift Measures.
Union Health Ministry sources on Wednesday said the ongoing investigation into the deaths of at least 20 children linked to the toxic cough syrup Coldrif is “not a blame game” between the Centre and Tamil Nadu, but a matter of accountability.
Sources said the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (TN-FDA) had failed to act despite clear recommendations from central agencies. “This is not about blaming the state, but why hasn’t the TN-FDA pressed criminal charges despite the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recommendations? Why has the license not been cancelled despite the DCGI’s clear direction?” they asked.
The remarks follow a 26-page inspection report by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department that found over 350 violations at Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif. The report highlighted unhygienic conditions, rusted equipment, and the illegal use of non-pharma-grade chemicals. Following the findings, the Tamil Nadu government issued showcause notices, ordered a stop to production, and initiated steps to shut the company down.
Tamil Nadu Defends Its Response
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the state acted promptly to prevent further harm. “On October 1, after receiving an emergency alert from the Madhya Pradesh Drug Control Department linking Coldrif syrup to child deaths in Sindhwara, we banned its sale across Tamil Nadu immediately. No orders for the syrup were procured, and all existing stock was canceled to prevent risk,” he said.
“On October 3, a stop-production order was issued, and the company was served a showcause notice for possible shutdown. After further tests confirmed toxic diethylene glycol in the syrup, another notice was issued on October 7 to initiate criminal action. Every measure is being taken to hold the responsible parties accountable,” Subramanian added.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Commissioner said all 290 fake medicine cases in the state would be investigated within 15 days. An officer has been suspended for allegedly withholding key investigation files. “Our officer was sitting on the entire investigation file, which is why he has been suspended. Prima facie, this appears intentional,” he said.
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