14 kids dead after consuming contaminated cough syrup in MP
At least 14 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, have died from suspected kidney failure after taking Coldrif cough syrup, which turned out to be contaminated with a toxic substance.
The syrup was made by Sresan Pharmaceutical in Tamil Nadu.
The state government has banned Coldrif and is offering free treatment to all affected kids.
Arrests, suspensions, and compensation for families
Children from nearby Betul district were also affected and are being treated for kidney issues in Nagpur hospitals, with all costs covered by the government.
Authorities have arrested a local doctor for alleged negligence and filed a case against the manufacturer.
Two drug inspectors and a deputy FDA director have been suspended, while the state drug controller was transferred.
A joint team of doctors and magistrates is overseeing care for hospitalized children, families are set to receive compensation, and other states like Goa have also banned Coldrif.