The deaths, along with at least one case of serious kidney damage, are believed to be linked to a cough syrup, though a definitive cause is still under investigation
Samples of the suspected syrup were collected from a pharmaceutical unit in Jabalpur. Representational Pic/File
The number of child fatalities linked to suspected cough syrup poisoning in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh rose to nine on Friday, Dr Pawan Nandurkar, Associate Professor and Head of Paediatrics said, according to the ANI.
Initially, seven child deaths were reported, but further investigation has revealed two more fatalities, bringing the total to nine.
The deaths, along with at least one case of serious kidney damage, are believed to be linked to a cough syrup, though a definitive cause is still under investigation, as per the ANI.
“The deaths and kidney injuries appear to be associated with cough syrup, but we’re not ruling out other possible causes,” said Dr Nandurkar.
“We’ve sent samples of the syrup for testing, and the full picture will only emerge once lab results are received,” he said, the news agency reported.
As a precaution, the district administration has banned the sale of cough syrup Coldrif and Nesto DS cough syrups until test results confirm their safety.
Meanwhile, samples of the suspected syrup were collected from a pharmaceutical unit in Jabalpur and have been sent for laboratory analysis.
Drug Inspector Sharad Kumar Jain said that the syrup was supplied from a pharma company in Jabalpur. A total of 660 bottles were procured, out of which 594 were distributed across three local distributors in Chhindwara. The remaining 66 bottles were held back by the company, and 16 of these have been sent for testing, the news agency reported.
“We have instructed the freezing of any remaining stock at the three firms involved, and a full investigation team is now in place,” Jain said, reported the ANI.
According to health officials, children initially showed mild symptoms such as colds, coughs, and fever. However, many developed kidney-related complications shortly after taking cough syrup.
Between 4 and 26 September, at least six children were reported to have died due to kidney failure. The situation has since worsened, leading to a broader investigation involving both state and central health authorities.
Dr Naresh Gunnade, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), stated that the medical teams have collected samples and launched a full probe to determine the cause of the kidney damage and resulting deaths.
“The test results are awaited, and we are working with state and central teams to get to the bottom of the matter,” he said, as per the ANI.
(with ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
