FAIMA Urges Central Inquiry Into Cough Syrup Deaths Linked to Coldrif
National medical body demands impartial probe after over 20 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan tied to contaminated cough syrup.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has called on the Union Health Ministry to establish a high-level central committee to investigate the recent deaths of children allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrup. The medicine in question, Coldrif, produced by Kancheepuram-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been linked to more than 20 child fatalities reported across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In an official statement, FAIMA expressed “deep concern” over the tragedy and highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of drug manufacturing and distribution in India. The association stated that the incident had “exposed serious lapses in quality assurance mechanisms for paediatric medicines,” urging the government to take immediate corrective measures.
The proposed inquiry, FAIMA said, should cover every part of the supply chain — from production and testing to state-level distribution — and should include experts in pharmacology, paediatrics, and medical ethics to ensure transparency and accountability. The body also pressed for random inspections of paediatric medicines across the country to verify compliance with national safety standards.
Calling for stronger coordination between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and state drug authorities, FAIMA demanded consistent enforcement of pharmaceutical regulations nationwide. The organisation also drew attention to the illegal sale of non-prescription (non-OTC) medicines and the rise in unqualified medical practices, stressing that such gaps endanger public health.
The association further objected to the arrest of a doctor in Madhya Pradesh accused of prescribing the contaminated syrup, calling the action “unjustified” and warning against punitive measures before the investigation concludes. FAIMA insisted the doctor be released immediately, a stance echoed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which described the incident as a case of spurious drug distribution under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Both medical bodies have urged the government to restore public confidence through a transparent and nationwide investigation into the incident and to introduce tougher checks on pediatric drug manufacturing.