Rajasthan bans cough syrup: A government-supplied generic cough syrup has been linked to the deaths of two children and several illnesses in Rajasthan over the past two weeks, prompting a statewide ban on 22 batches and an official inquiry, health authorities said, news agency PTI reported.
The syrup, distributed through government health centres, is suspected in the deaths of a five-year-old from Sikar on Monday (Sept. 29) and a two-year-old from Bharatpur on Sept. 22. Multiple other children aged one to five have fallen ill in Banswara after taking the medicine, officials said.
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Drug Controller Ajay Phatak confirmed that complaints had been received of children becoming unwell after consuming the product. āSamples have been collected from Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Bharatpur; test reports are expected within three days. The syrup should not be given to children under five,ā he told reporters.
Police in Sikar said the five-year-old, Nitish, was administered the syrup at the Chirana community health centre on Sunday evening; his condition deteriorated overnight, and he died en route to the hospital on Monday morning. While the parents declined a complaint and post-mortem, the childās maternal grandfather has filed a case, said ASI Rohitashwa Kumar.
In Bharatpur, relatives of two-year-old Samrat Jatav said three grandchildren took the syrup prescribed at a local centre; two recovered after vomiting, but Samrat did not regain consciousness.
Separately, Bayana CHC in-charge Dr Tarachand Yogi allegedly fell unconscious eight hours after ingesting a dose of the syrup on Sept. 24 in front of anxious parents to demonstrate its safety.
The Rajasthan government has ordered an immediate recall of the affected lots and suspended supplies from Kayson Pharma, according to Jai Singh, executive director (quality control) at Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited. Doctors have been instructed to stop prescribing the product while laboratory testing of all 22 batches proceeds.
Officials said more than 1.33 lakh bottles have been distributed statewide since July. At Jaipurās Sawai Man Singh Hospital, about 8,200 bottles remain in stock and have been placed off-limits to patients.
