Indore News: Seven Teams Crackdown, 2,900 Bottles Seized, 30 Samples Taken
2025 年 10 月 7 日
Indore Health Department Launches Crackdown Following Toxic Cough Syrup Deaths in Chhindwara
Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In the wake of the tragic deaths of children in Chhindwara linked to the toxic Coldrif cough syrup, Indore’s district health department has escalated its efforts by putting the city’s drug market on high alert.
On Tuesday, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Madhav Hasani announced that seven teams of drug inspectors were deployed across key areas including Pipliyahana, Bhanwarkuan, Mari Mata, Dewas Naka, and the bustling Dawa Bazaar. The teams conducted intensive raids on wholesale depots, distributors, and retail medical shops, combing through records and stocks of Coldrif, Nestro DX, and other formulations produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals — the company at the center of this national health concern.
“No trace of the fatal Coldrif syrup has been found in Indore so far,” a senior health official confirmed. “However, for public safety, syrups of other brands have also been tested and sealed for laboratory analysis.”
Suspect Gujarat Syrups Under Close Watch
The crackdown also focused on cough syrups produced in Gujarat — specifically the brands Relife (Shape Pharma) and Respifresh (Rednonex Pharma) — both previously declared substandard by authorities. While banned batches were not found in Indore, the sale of 2,920 bottles of Respifresh from other lots has been temporarily suspended pending laboratory test results.
‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy: CMHO Issues Stern Warning
Dr. Hasani emphasized that the administration is enforcing a zero-tolerance approach. “Teams are conducting back-to-back inspections,” he said. “Prohibited syrups have already been seized from a few stockists. No medical outlet will be spared if found selling or stocking banned drugs.”
He also warned that doctors prescribing banned syrups could face FIRs and jail time, while chemists have been strictly instructed not to sell cough syrups to children under four years of age without a valid prescription.
Chemists’ Association Voices Support
The Madhya Pradesh Chemists’ Association has pledged its full cooperation with the ongoing crackdown. “Our market does not stock any prohibited syrups,” stated Dharmendra Kothari, the Association’s vice president. “Samples from other brands are being collected purely as a precaution. If any medicine fails quality tests, we support immediate action — public safety comes first.”
Summary of Ongoing Actions
- 30 cough syrup samples collected and sent for testing
- 2,920 bottles of Respifresh barred from sale pending lab results
- Doctors warned of FIRs for prescribing prohibited syrups
- Chemists restricted from selling cough syrup to children under four without prescription
- Random inspections to continue citywide without prior notice
The health department’s swift and stringent measures reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety of children and the public at large amid growing concerns around harmful pharmaceuticals.
Story by Staff Reporter