Madhya Pradesh has reported nine child deaths, with their families alleging it is linked to cough syrups 'Coldrif' and 'Nextros DS' - prescribed for fever and cough.

Almost every child first developed a fever and was being treated at a clinic in the state.

Within days of being given the syrups, symptoms began: vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually the sudden stoppage of urination, classic signs of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) poisoning - the same tragedy that once killed children in Gambia in 2022.

But while Tamil Nadu tested, confirmed, and banned the suspected batch within 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh is still "awaiting reports".

On October 1, Tamil Nadu's Drugs Control Department received a letter from Madhya Pradesh about Coldrif Syrup, batch SR-13, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in the Kanchipuram district.

Despite a government holiday, a team of inspectors reached the facility the very same evening, conducted a detailed inspection, and noticed 39 critical and 325 major violations of drug manufacturing and laboratory practice rules.

They drew samples of Coldrif and four other syrups, froze all remaining stocks at the plant.

Source:Ndtv