MP: Doctor arrested for prescribing deadly Coldrif cough syrup
A doctor in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara has been arrested after prescribing Coldrif cough syrup, which was found to contain a dangerous chemical and is linked to the deaths of 10 children.
Tests showed the syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance that can cause kidney failure.
Dr. Praveen Soni, who prescribed the syrup, and its manufacturer Sresun Pharmaceuticals from Tamil Nadu, now face criminal charges.
Cough syrup deaths prompt state-wide action
After the incident, Madhya Pradesh banned Coldrif and all products from Sresun Pharmaceuticals on October 4, 2025, sealing existing stocks.
Tamil Nadu had already imposed a ban earlier in October after similar cases surfaced elsewhere, with Kerala joining as a precaution.
The Union Health Secretary called a meeting with state officials to discuss the rational use of cough syrups and ensuring the safety and quality of medicines.
Investigations are ongoing to prevent more tragedies from contaminated medicines.