Health Ministry meets States on cough syrup safety after Chhindwara child deaths; 'Coldrif' found with DEG
On 5 October 2025 in New Delhi, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a meeting with all States and UTs on cough syrup quality after child deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
Summary
On 5 October 2025 in New Delhi, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a high-level meeting with all States and UTs on drug quality and the rational use of cough syrups in children. It followed reports of child deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrup; the cluster was first reported to IDSP/NCDC by the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, Nagpur, set up under PM-ABHIM. A central team from NCDC, NIV and CDSCO found that of 10 samples tested so far, 9 met standards, but the cough syrup 'Coldrif' contained diethylene glycol (DEG) beyond the permissible limit. Tamil Nadu FDA acted against the maker's unit in Kancheepuram, and CDSCO recommended cancelling its manufacturing licence. The Secretary stressed strict compliance with Revised Schedule M (Good Manufacturing Practices). Risk-based inspections have started at 19 manufacturing units in six States. Officials said most coughs in children are self-limiting and do not need medicine.
Key facts
- Trigger
- Child deaths in Chhindwara (MP); reported by MSU Nagpur under PM-ABHIM
- Finding
- 'Coldrif' had DEG above limit; 9 of 10 samples OK
- Action
- TN FDA on Kancheepuram unit; CDSCO recommends licence cancellation
- Norms
- Revised Schedule M (GMP); risk-based inspections at 19 units in 6 States
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In the investigation following child deaths in Chhindwara (October 2025), the cough syrup 'Coldrif' was found to contain which substance beyond the permissible limit?
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Correct answer: B — Diethylene glycol (DEG)
PIB (MoHFW): of 10 samples analysed, 9 met quality standards, but the cough syrup 'Coldrif' contained DEG (diethylene glycol) beyond the permissible limit; Tamil Nadu FDA acted against the unit in Kancheepuram.
The 'Revised Schedule M', whose strict compliance the Union Health Secretary stressed in October 2025, deals with which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for drug manufacturing units
PIB (MoHFW): the DCGI reiterated that drug manufacturing units must strictly comply with the Revised Schedule M for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Consider the following statements about the Chhindwara cough syrup case (October 2025): 1. The cluster of cases and deaths was reported to IDSP, NCDC by the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, Nagpur, set up under PM-ABHIM. 2. Risk-based inspections were initiated across 19 drug manufacturing units in six States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MoHFW): the MSU Nagpur, established under PM-ABHIM, reported the cluster to IDSP, NCDC; Risk-Based Inspections have been initiated across 19 manufacturing units in six States.