Chhattisgarh cough syrup ban: In some other states like Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, after the news of the death of children from phlegm syrup and the central government advisory, the Chhattisgarh government has taken a big and strict decision in the state. The Health Department has completely banned the phlegm syrup for all children up to 2 years of winter and cough.
Strict instructions to doctors and drug dealers
Under the new guideline issued by the state government: No doctor will write cuff syrup to children below 2 years of age. Drug shopkeepers (chemists) will not sell phlegm syrup for children under 2 years of age. The Health Department has asked the Chief Medical and Health Officers (CHMO) and the Civil Surgeon of all the districts to ensure these instructions immediately.
At the same time, instructions have been given to take great care while writing cuff syrup for children above two years and up to five years. Strict adherence to these instructions has also started in the Government District Hospital in Pandari in the capital Raipur. The senior pediatrician said that there is no supply of prohibited Coldriff Syrup in some states in government hospitals already.
Doctors say that even for children over 2 years of age, when required, the syrup with single drug is being written on the slip instead of a syrup with a mixture of 2-3 drugs. According to experts, children under 2 years of age do not require cold-cough medicine.
Restricted syrup check and business
The state government has imposed this ban after the Center advisory. However, it is a matter of relief that the cold syrup that is coming to light of the children is not currently supplied in Chhattisgarh.
Despite this, the Health Department is fully alert. The department has given special instructions to the Food and Drugs Department to intensively investigate the products of all other companies including Kapha syrup manufactured by the disputed company of Tamil Nadu.
In Rajnandgaon, Assistant Controller, Food and Drugs Department Hiren Patel has confirmed that the investigation so far has not been found available in any drug store or agency in the company’s Kapha Syrup district in Tamil Nadu. Special precautions are being taken in all five divisions including Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Surguja and Bastar. The annual turnover of phlegm syrup in Chhattisgarh is more than ₹ 25 crore. In view of this, the department has also issued instructions to all the districts to investigate the concerned drug companies and medical shops if required.
