Deadly Cough Syrup Investigation: Multiple Child Deaths in Rajasthan Linked to Kayson Pharma Product

Rajasthan authorities have suspended distribution of all medications from Kayson Pharma following multiple child fatalities linked to their cough syrup.

The investigation began after a 5-year-old child died in Sikar on Monday. Subsequently, two families from Bharatpur district reported their children also died in September after consuming the company's cough syrup, which contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide.

Government officials have ordered a comprehensive investigation into all medicines manufactured by Kayson Pharma, which supplies generic medications under Rajasthan's free medicine program.

While authorities have suspended Kayson Pharma's products, they've declined to confirm the Bharatpur deaths were caused by the cough syrup, citing absence of the medication on prescriptions.

However, NDTV's investigation in the affected villages revealed locals confirming that dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup was indeed being distributed at government dispensaries.

The tragedy of 5-year-old Nitish exemplifies the severity of the situation. After taking the cough syrup, he woke during the night, hiccupped once, drank some water, and returned to sleep, never to wake again. His parents rushed him to a Sikar hospital only to discover their child had passed away.

In Bharatpur, two children—Teerthraj and Samrat Jatav—died after consuming the syrup. Their parents stated they received the medication from a government health center, which proved fatal for their 2-year-old children.

As part of the government's response, the health officer in the Sikar case faces suspension. However, regarding the Bharatpur deaths, officials maintain the medication wasn't documented on the children's prescriptions.

Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director of Public Health, emphasized that doctors hadn't prescribed dextromethorphan syrup in these cases, noting it's not recommended for pediatric patients according to protocol.

Contradicting this claim, Samrat's mother Jyoti insisted she administered the syrup only after it was prescribed by the Chief Health Officer at the village sub-health center on September 18. After administration, all three of her children's health deteriorated rapidly. While two children—Virat and Sakshi—survived after vomiting, Samrat lost consciousness and died in hospital on September 22.

This isn't Kayson Pharma's first quality control issue. In 2023, one of their medicines failed quality standards and was rejected. The procurement process that allowed the company to secure another government tender is now under investigation.

BJP's Rajendra Rathore noted that the drug had been "blacklisted" multiple times previously and called for his party's government to launch a "comprehensive campaign" against counterfeit medicines while demanding strict action against the pharmaceutical company.

Rathore, a former health minister, alleged that the Food Safety Drug Controller Department had altered the definition under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, stating: "Now, according to the new rules, if even one salt in any medicine is zero, it will not be considered counterfeit. This is nothing but directly playing with the lives of the general public."

In response, the health department has issued guidelines directing physicians to strictly follow prescription protocols, ensure responsible dispensing of prescription medications, and prevent patients from consuming drugs without proper medical consultation.