Tragic Deaths of Children Linked to Coldrif Syrup from Sresan Pharmaceuticals

Tragic deaths linked to Coldrif Syrup from Sresan Pharmaceuticals highlight weak drug oversight in India.

At least 22 children have died in India after consuming Coldrif Syrup, a cough medicine manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Laboratory tests revealed the syrup contained nearly 45% diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent used in brake fluid and antifreeze - far exceeding the safe limit of 0.1%.

Authorities responded by arresting the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, sealing the factory, and recalling all batches of Coldrif Syrup distributed in Madhya Pradesh.

Recurring Tragedies in Indian Pharmaceuticals

The Coldrif Syrup incident is not an isolated event. Similar contaminated syrups from Indian manufacturers caused child fatalities in Uzbekistan and The Gambia in 2022. Experts say weak oversight and inconsistent enforcement contribute to repeated tragedies.

“Incidents like Coldrif Syrup show systemic gaps in drug safety enforcement,” said a health expert based in Delhi.

Unsafe Manufacturing at Sresan Pharmaceuticals

Investigations revealed Sresan Pharmaceuticals operated under unhygienic conditions. Reporters noted stacked plastic jars, stained floors, blocked windows, and hoses across the workspace. Charred labels and discarded containers from other products were found outside the factory.

Over 350 violations were reported, including rusted machinery and absent quality testing. These unsafe practices directly contributed to the Coldrif Syrup contamination.

Regulatory Gaps and Weak Oversight

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) oversees clinical trials, exports, and new drugs, while state drug controllers manage local manufacturers, including Sresan Pharmaceuticals. This dual system often leaves gaps in monitoring and testing.

State laboratories frequently lack trained personnel and proper testing equipment, allowing products like Coldrif Syrup to reach consumers despite the risks.

“The system only reacts after fatalities occur,” a retired scientist explained, emphasizing the need for better coordination between central and state authorities.

Industrial Substitutes and Global Concerns

Investigators found that industrial-grade solvents, such as diethylene glycol, were used illegally in Coldrif Syrup to cut costs. Despite global warnings, enforcement remains inconsistent, and unsafe manufacturing practices persist.

Global Impact and Loss of Trust

India’s pharmaceutical industry has supplied affordable medicines worldwide, but repeated incidents like Coldrif Syrup undermine trust. International buyers now demand independent testing, while affected families in India have limited recourse.

“Unless stricter oversight and enforcement are implemented, tragedies like Coldrif Syrup will continue,” health economists warn.