Kerala Implements Strict Prescription Requirement for All Children's Medicines Following Cough Syrup Concerns

Kerala health officials have confirmed that no adverse incidents related to children's cough syrup have been documented within the state, according to medical professionals.

In response to growing concerns regarding specific cough medications, the Kerala Health Department issued a directive on Monday prohibiting the administration of any medicines to children under 12 years of age without proper medical prescription.

The state government has established a specialized three-member expert committee to investigate the utilization of cough remedies in pediatric populations. Health Minister Veena George announced this initiative following a high-level conference in Thiruvananthapuram, requesting the committee to deliver an urgent assessment.

This expert panel comprises the state drugs controller, the child health nodal officer, and the state president of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Their conclusions will contribute to developing new regulatory guidelines governing cough syrup usage for children, as stated by the minister in an official release.

Minister George issued a stringent instruction regarding medication dispensation for children under 12, emphasizing that medicines should not be provided even with previous prescriptions.

"Instructions have been conveyed to the Drugs Controller on this matter, and public awareness campaigns will be intensified. Since pediatric medication dosages are calculated based on body weight, a medication prescribed for one child should never be administered to another. Such practices could potentially cause more harm than good," she explained.

According to the official statement, physicians informed the meeting participants that Kerala has not experienced any problematic incidents related to children's cough medications.

The statement further indicated that robust awareness initiatives will be implemented to enhance public understanding and address existing concerns.

"Instructions have been issued to specifically investigate any potentially related incidents. Educational training will also be provided to pediatricians and other medical practitioners with the collaboration of the IAP," the statement detailed.

The Drugs Control Department is currently conducting inspections throughout the state under their supervision.

Following reports of issues discovered outside Kerala with the SR-13 batch of Coldrif syrup, the Drugs Control Department has suspended its sale within the state. This particular medication batch had been distributed across Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry. Additionally, authorities in Rajasthan have identified problems with a cough syrup manufactured by a different company.

Recently, fourteen children died in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, from suspected kidney failure potentially linked to consumption of a 'toxic' cough preparation.

"It has been verified that these problematic batches were not sold within Kerala. Coldrif medications are distributed in Kerala through eight authorized distributors. Both supply and sales have now been halted," the statement confirmed.

The meeting included participation from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, NHM State Mission Director, Drugs Controller, Health Department Director, Medical Education Department Director, Additional Directors, District Medical Officers, Child Health Nodal Officer, IAP President, and other relevant officials.