Uttar Pradesh bans Coldrif syrup after 14 tragic deaths
Uttar Pradesh bans Coldrif syrup, halts its import and export across all public and private institutions
Uttar Pradesh Bans Coldrif Cough Syrup After 14 Child Deaths in Madhya Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday (October 5, 2025) announced an immediate ban on Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Shreesan Pharmaceutical, after reports linked the medicine to the tragic deaths of 14 children in neighboring Madhya Pradesh.
The decision comes amid growing alarm over the safety of the syrup, which is suspected to have caused severe side effects, including respiratory distress and organ failure, in several young patients. Families of the victims in Madhya Pradesh have been left heartbroken, demanding answers and accountability for what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
In response, Uttar Pradesh’s Assistant Commissioner of Drug Administration has directed all drug inspectors to immediately collect samples of the cough syrup from government hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies across the state. The move aims to prevent any further use of the medicine while laboratory testing and investigations are underway.
The order also prohibits the import and export of Coldrif syrup in both government and private institutions, effectively halting its distribution and sale across Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities said that once the test results are confirmed, further legal and regulatory actions will be taken against the manufacturer if negligence or contamination is proven. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of toxic ingredients or poor-quality control during production, though officials have yet to confirm the cause.
The incident has reignited concerns about drug safety standards in India, especially in smaller pharmaceutical units. Health experts are urging stricter monitoring of medicine manufacturing and distribution to protect vulnerable patients, particularly children.
Meanwhile, grieving families in Madhya Pradesh continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. “We trusted the medicine to help our children recover from a cough,” said one parent tearfully, “but it took their lives instead.”