A harrowing public health tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has deepened: two more young children have died, bringing the death toll linked to Coldrif cough syrup to 24. The latest victims, reportedly a nine-month-old boy and a three-year-old girl, were among several children from Chhindwara district who had been receiving treatment in Nagpur for suspected renal failure after consuming the syrup. 

The Latest Incident & Victims

The victims have been identified as Divyanshu Yaduwanshi (aged nine months) and Ambika Vishwakarma (aged three years). Divyanshu passed away during treatment in Nagpur, while Ambika had been hospitalized in critical condition since mid-September and succumbed recently despite intensive care.

Authorities confirm that the children exhibited signs consistent with acute kidney failure, a pattern seen in previous cases tied to this contaminated syrup.

Background: The Coldrif Contamination Crisis

This calamity began unfolding when a cluster of child deaths in Chhindwara raised alarms. Investigations revealed that Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial chemical. Testing showed extremely high levels, far exceeding permissible limits. 

The incident is not isolated. Globally, similar tragedies have occurred in nations where DEG-tainted syrups were distributed, resulting in child fatalities. 

Regulatory Actions & Response

In light of mounting deaths, multiple state and national drug authorities have reacted swiftly:

Manufacturing license for Sresan Pharma has been revoked, and operations at the plant have been shut down. 

The company’s owner has been arrested and is under investigation. 

Bans and recalls have been ordered for Coldrif across several states, and warnings have been issued over two additional syrups — Respifresh TR and ReLife — which also tested positive for DEG contamination. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged these syrups in an international safety alert. 

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted, and cross-state legal coordination is underway to trace responsibility. 

Wider Implications & Risks

This catastrophe raises serious questions about drug safety oversight, especially for pediatric medicines. DEG and related glycols are absolutely banned or capped at extremely low levels in pharmaceutical formulations, owing to their known kidney toxicity. 

The fact that such contamination reached the market implies lapses in manufacturing, batch testing, regulatory inspections, and supply chain controls. There is increasing public pressure for accountability at all levels — from manufacturers, distributors, prescribers, and regulatory agencies.

Human Toll & Public Outcry

The families impacted by this tragedy have suffered immense emotional and financial distress. Some children required prolonged hospitalization, dialysis, and specialized care attempts. Many communities are demanding more transparency and justice.

Political reactions are strong: demands for judicial inquiry, stricter pharma regulation, and compensation to victims’ families are mounting.

Road Ahead & Prevention

To stem further tragedy, experts and authorities emphasize:

Full disclosure & transparency in investigation findings

Rigorous forensic audits of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

Strengthening drug regulatory frameworks, especially random batch testing

Early warning systems and surveillance for unusual clusters of illness in children

Public advisories cautioning use of cough syrups in very young children unless necessary

In sum, this is not merely a medical crisis — it’s a systemic failure that demands swift, uncompromising corrective action. The death toll rising to 24 is a grim reminder of how vulnerable lives depend on the integrity of the medicines they consume.