New Delhi, 3 October (IANS). Center and state agencies have jointly conducted a joint inquiry over the concerns arising about the death of children due to the consumption of cough medicines (phlegm syrup) in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Investigations have confirmed that poisonous chemicals are not present in the syrup.
According to the information, in the investigation so far, it has been confirmed that toxic chemical dietalin glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG) is not present in cough drugs. These chemicals are considered to be the cause of severe kidney damage.
In the case of Madhya Pradesh, the team of National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) went to the spot and investigated. Several samples were collected with the help of state authorities, including phlegm syrup of various companies.
According to the test report, no presence of DEG or EG was found in any sample. At the same time, Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has also confirmed this by examining three samples.
In addition, children’s blood/CSF samples were examined in NIV Pune, one of which was found to be a case leptospirosis positive. At the same time, investigation of water, mosquito -borne carriers and respiratory samples is still going on.
Two deaths of children in Rajasthan were said to be associated with cough medicine. However, the investigation has revealed that the relevant drug did not have propylene glycol, which is considered a possible source of poisonous adulteration like DEG or EG.
It has also been revealed that the concerned drug is dextromethorphon based, which is not recommended to be used in children.
The investigation team consists of NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur and state health officers, which are investigating all possible causes.
The central government has said that indiscriminate use of phlegm syrup in children can prove to be dangerous. Keeping this in mind, DGHS (DGHS) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued counseling to all states and union territories for prudent use of cough in children.
-IANS
PSK/ABM
