Rajasthan Suspends Drug Controller Following Children's Deaths Linked to Cough Syrup

The Rajasthan government has taken decisive action by suspending the state drug controller and halting the distribution of all medications produced by Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma, according to official sources.

Authorities from the Medical and Health Department have ceased the supply of all 19 pharmaceutical products manufactured by Kaysons Pharma until further notice. Additionally, distribution of all cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan has been suspended across the state.

Drug controller Rajaram Sharma has been placed under suspension for allegedly interfering with the process of determining drug quality standards, as stated by the department.

These actions follow reports of 11 children's deaths - nine in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan - allegedly connected to contaminated cough syrup.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the matter along with appropriate action. In accordance with his directives, an expert committee is being formed to thoroughly examine the issue.

Health Minister Gajendra Singh has also ordered an inquiry and implemented measures to protect public health interests, according to an official statement.

Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary in the Medical and Health Department, noted that the Union government had issued an advisory in 2021 against administering Dextromethorphan to children under four years of age.

The state has reemphasized this advisory, while on Friday, the Drug Controller General of India recommended that the syrup should generally only be given to children above five years, and never to those under two years of age.

Officials also announced that medications potentially harmful to children and pregnant women will now feature explicit warning labels.

Pukhraj Sen, managing director of Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd (RMSCL), revealed that over 10,000 samples of Kaysons Pharma medications have been tested since 2012, with 42 failing to meet quality standards.

As a precautionary measure, the supply of all 19 medicines produced by the company has been suspended.