Health
IMA To Engage With Centre Over Arrest Of Doctor Linked To Toxic Cough Syrup Deaths In Madhya Pradesh
Indian Medical Association questions clean chit to the cough syrup manufacturer.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced plans to hold discussions with the Union Health Ministry following the arrest of Dr Praveen Soni, the paediatrician linked to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly caused by consumption of a contaminated cough syrup.
According to a India Today report, IMA is questioning why Dr Soni is being held solely responsible when “treatment protocols were followed” and has vowed to press for his release.
The association has also raised concerns over the government’s decision to clear the pharmaceutical company, Sresun Pharmaceuticals, of wrongdoing while continuing action against the doctor.
A fact-finding team from the IMA has been dispatched to Chhindwara, where 14 of the 16 deaths occurred, with two additional suspected fatalities reported in Betul district. The team will meet local authorities and examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police arrested Dr Soni on Saturday under multiple sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint filed by Ankit Sahlam, Block Medical Officer of Parasia Community Health Centre.
Investigations have revealed that most of the deceased children had been prescribed Coldrif syrup, which laboratory tests confirmed contained 48.6 per cent Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic chemical known to cause kidney failure and death.
In response to the incident, several states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have moved to ban Coldrif syrup or issued advisories to monitor its distribution and educate the public.
So far, at least 19 child deaths across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have been linked to the contaminated batch, sparking nationwide concern over drug safety and regulatory oversight.
