Cough syrups named Coldrif, Respifresh, and Relife have been prohibited across Jharkhand following alarming reports that associated their use with child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The government said it was in the interest of public safety to ensure that no unsafe medicines enter the market.
Ban Ordered After Jharkhand Health Ministry Directive
This ban follows a directive from the Union Health Ministry, which had instructed states to stay alert after reports emerged of toxic substances in certain cough syrups. They also emphasized that the government acted immediately to prevent any risk, particularly to children. Following the ministry’s order, district drug controllers and inspectors across Jharkhand have begun collecting samples of the banned syrups. They are gathering these samples from medical stores and distributors.
Government Alerts Doctors and Pharmacies After Syrup Ban
The government has warned doctors and pharmacists to be cautious while prescribing cough syrups. They must strictly follow safety regulations and avoid dispensing the banned products under any circumstances.
Jharkhand’s decision is part of a larger national effort to remove unsafe cough syrups from the market. Several other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, have already banned similar products.
In Madhya Pradesh, laboratory tests found traces of diethylene glycol (DEG) which is a highly toxic chemical that can cause kidney and liver failure in a batch of Coldrif syrup.
Following this, multiple states took immediate steps to stop its sale and distribution. The Union Health Ministry has also issued new guidelines advising doctors not to prescribe cough syrups to children under two years of age unless absolutely necessary. This move aims to reduce health risks and ensure the safe use of pediatric medicines.
State Pledges to Protect Public Health
With this ban, Jharkhand has joined the list of states taking firm steps to safeguard citizens. The government has made it clear that public safety will remain its top priority. Any negligence or delay in implementing the ban will not be tolerated.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for selling or distributing the banned syrups.
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