Chennai, October 13:

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has cancelled the manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Coldrif cough syrup, following an investigation that linked the product to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The decision comes after toxic contaminants, specifically Diethylene Glycol (DEG), were found in the cough syrup. The company has been officially shut down by the state authorities.

In addition to shutting down Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered comprehensive inspections of all pharmaceutical manufacturing units in the state. Large-scale inspections are currently underway to ensure that no other companies are producing unsafe medicines.

The owner of Sresan Pharma, Ranganathan, was arrested in Chennai on October 9 by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Madhya Pradesh. A court in Parasia has sent him to 10-day police custody for further investigation. Meanwhile, two senior drug inspectors in Tamil Nadu have been suspended for dereliction of duty, and the state government has directed inspections of other pharmaceutical companies to prevent similar incidents.

The case has drawn political criticism as well. BJP leader K. Annamalai accused the Tamil Nadu government of acting only after the intervention of the SIT, suggesting that the state had tried to evade responsibility. He stated that a drug produced by a company in Kanchipuram reportedly caused the deaths of 23 people in Madhya Pradesh and three children in Rajasthan, yet the state had suspended only two inspectors. Annamalai also highlighted the company’s history of quality violations and pointed out the lack of regular inspections by state drug officials.

Following the incident, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a directive to all states and Union Territories to strictly follow the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This includes mandatory testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical formulations before approval, ensuring the safety and quality of medicines sold across India.

The Tamil Nadu government’s action comes as part of a wider effort to strengthen regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector. Officials emphasized the importance of preventive inspections and timely action against companies that fail to meet quality standards. The move is intended to restore public trust in medicines produced in the state and prevent further tragedies.

This case has raised serious concerns about drug safety and monitoring in India. Authorities are now focusing on ensuring that all medicines are rigorously tested, that pharmaceutical companies adhere to manufacturing standards, and that violations are met with strict penalties. The ongoing investigation will also look into whether any other individuals or entities were involved in the production and distribution of the contaminated cough syrup.

The Sresan Pharmaceuticals case serves as a reminder of the need for strict compliance and oversight in the pharmaceutical industry. With measures from both state and central authorities, officials hope to prevent similar incidents and ensure that children and other consumers are protected from unsafe medicines.

 Tamil Nadu Shuts Down Cough Syrup Manufacturer Linked to Child Deaths

The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled the licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, maker of Coldrif cough syrup, after it was linked to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. Toxic chemicals, including Diethylene Glycol (DEG), were found in the syrup. The company’s owner, Ranganathan, has been arrested and sent to 10-day police custody, while two senior drug inspectors were suspended. The state has launched inspections of all pharmaceutical units, and the DCGI has directed mandatory testing of medicines nationwide to ensure safety. Authorities aim to prevent further tragedies and restore public trust in medicines.