Rajasthan cough syrup row: 11 child deaths trigger suspension of drug controller, Kaysons Pharma drugs pulled from market

The Rajasthan government has suspended the state drug controller and stopped the distribution of medicines manufactured by Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma, following reports of child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrup.

Distribution of Kaysons Pharma Drugs Halted

The Medical and Health Department has ordered the suspension of all 19 medicines produced by Kaysons Pharma until further notice. In addition, the supply of all other cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan has also been stopped.

Drug Controller Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct

The state has placed Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma under suspension for allegedly influencing the process of determining drug standards, officials said. This action comes amid growing concern over safety standards and accountability in drug approvals.

Deaths Linked to Contaminated Cough Syrup

The suspension follows reports of 11 child deaths, nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrup. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a detailed investigation and immediate action to ensure public safety.

Expert Committee to Investigate the Issue

An expert committee is being formed to investigate the incident thoroughly, as per instructions from the Chief Minister. Health Minister Gajendra Singh has also directed an inquiry and additional measures to protect public interest.

Safety Guidelines for Dextromethorphan

Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore, reminded the public of a 2021 Union government advisory against giving Dextromethorphan to children under four years. The Drug Controller General of India recently clarified that the syrup should be given only to children above five years and must never be administered to children under two years.

Clear Warning Labels on Harmful Drugs

Authorities have announced that medicines potentially harmful to children and pregnant women will now carry clear warning labels to prevent misuse.

Past Quality Issues at Kaysons Pharma

According to Pukhraj Sen, Managing Director of Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd (RMSCL), over 10,000 samples of Kaysons Pharma drugs have been tested since 2012, of which 42 failed quality standards. As a precaution, all 19 medicines from the company have now been suspended.
The Rajasthan government has assured citizens that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure drug safety and accountability. The inquiry is expected to provide detailed recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.

Inputs from agencies