Indian doctor arrested over toxic cough syrup deaths of 14 children

Indian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation after at least 14 children died from a toxic cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, raising fresh concerns over the country’s pharmaceutical safety.

Most of the children, all under five, died of kidney failure after consuming Coldrif Syrup, which police said contained diethylene glycol at nearly 500 times the safe limit. A doctor who prescribed the syrup, Dr. Praveen Soni, has been arrested, sparking nationwide outrage among India’s medical community.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing over 400,000 doctors, condemned the arrest, calling Dr. Soni a victim of defamation and blaming the deaths on manufacturers and regulatory authorities. The IMA criticized the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for failing to monitor toxic substances in the syrup.

Officials warned that some manufacturers may use industrial-grade toxins such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol as cheaper substitutes for pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. If quality control fails, toxic cough syrups can pose severe risks, particularly to young children.

The case has reignited calls for stricter drug regulation and accountability in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

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