In a move towards safeguarding public health, the government of Uttarakhand has launched security checks on banned cough syrups in fake medicines across the state in hospitals, chemist shops and etc. this action comes in response to the ban of cough syrups for children as advised by the central government. The government on the announcement of the central government, health advisory and CM Dhami, the cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan and combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for kids under 5 years is being banned nationwide. The initiative was taken by CM Dhami due to the sudden uprise in the tragic death of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after the consumption of cough syrups.
Eleven children in the Chinaware district of Madhya Pradesh passed away after ingesting Sriram Pharmaceuticals’ “Coldrif” cough syrup. The syrup contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance that can be fatal to humans, according to laboratory reports. Three more child fatalities that may have been caused by dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup were reported by Rajasthan. In order to guarantee drug quality and stop additional tragedies, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) started factory inspections in six states, including Uttarakhand, as a result of these incidents.
Uttarakhand’s Swift Response
Following CM Dhami’s instructions on the cough syrup ban, Uttarakhand is taking rapid actions to eliminate the dangerous medicines from the state. On the orders of CM Dhami and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, intensive raids are now taking place in several districts of Uttarakhand. In a number of districts, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haldwani, joint teams from the Drug Control Administration and the Health Department have carried out unexpected raids at pharmacies, wholesale drug stores, and medical facilities. Many bottles of prohibited cough syrups have been seized from different establishments as a result of these operations. According to official sources, offenders will face severe legal repercussions, including license suspension and prosecution under the applicable provisions of the 1940 Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
What was the central health advisory?
After the reported deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, the central health advisory issued statement including crucial guidelines for cough syrup in the nation. The advisory stated: All the cough syrups will be banned for children below 2 years of age. No routine use of these medications for children below 5 years Strict prohibition of dextromethorphan-containing syrups and combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for children under 4 years These medications should only be administered under specialist physician supervision, at correct dosages, and for minimal duration when absolutely necessary.
Further, as per the advisory of reputed health officials from AIIMS Rishikesh, these cough syrups are affecting the mental and physical health of the youth. The government needs to take strict actions to ban these cough syrups to destroy substance abuse in Uttarakhand. CM Dhami took it to the public stage and stated, “Public health is our top priority, and no laxity will be tolerated when it comes to the safety of children,” (sourced from health.economictimes.indiatimes) he enforced the raids will not compromise on children’s safety and public health.
Appeal to Health Care Professionals
The Health Department has taken a major step by explicitly urging all physicians and health professionals to abstain from prescribing prohibited cough syrups to children younger than four. This warning acknowledges that pharmacists may dispense these drugs after doctors prescribe them, thus continuing the risk cycle.
This message has been reaffirmed by Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, who stated that all physicians and pharmacists have been instructed not to prescribe or sell prohibited cough syrups. This action is crucial for maintaining public health. The state ministers are all now concerned for the health security of the citizens of India are now taking strict actions to eradicate such medicines.
A march towards safe medication in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand government’s initiative towards eradicating cough syrups that hamper the health security of the citizens of India. With a proactive approach, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, health minister Dhan Singh Rawat and medical professionals in Uttarakhand are now combining immediate regulatory action with long-term strategic planning against banned medicines.
With a visionary approach of CM Dhami to transform Uttarakhand into a ‘Durg-free state’, These steps to regulate harmful substances, whether they are misused recreationally or prescribed through medical channels thereby representing governance philosophy that puts the welfare of the public health security first as Chief Minister Dhami works toward his goal of a “Drug-Free Uttarakhand.” The state government’s message is unmistakable: anyone putting the health of Uttarakhand’s citizens and children in jeopardy will be subject to the full force of the law. The health professionals, hospitals and chemists are now being warned for distributing any such health jeopardizing medicines. Anyone found guilty for using and prescribing these medicines and seen undertaking any kind of substance abuse will face serious actions by the government.
