WHO: India's Fight Against Toxic Cough Syrup Sales Needs Urgent Boost

The World Health Organization highlights urgent action needed in India to combat toxic cough syrup sales after 24 children died from the contaminated Cold medicine containing high levels of diethylene glycol.

At least 24 children died in India after consuming the Coldrif cough medicine from Sresan Pharma, which was found to have diethylene glycol levels nearly 500 times above the permissible limit.
The WHO has expressed concern over the toxicity of cough syrups in India, urging the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to enhance monitoring and regulation of such medicines.
This tragic incident comes just two years after global commitments aimed at reducing the risks associated with toxic substances in pharmaceutical products, highlighting ongoing challenges in India.

Why It Matters

The incident underscores the critical need for stricter regulatory oversight in India to prevent further tragedies, reflecting broader global health concerns about medicine safety and the management of toxic substances.