Medical Body Condemns Scapegoating of Doctor in Madhya Pradesh Cough Syrup Deaths Tragedy

Sixteen children in Madhya Pradesh have lost their lives after consuming contaminated cough syrup, triggering nationwide concern over pharmaceutical safety standards.

New Delhi:

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has criticized authorities for making a doctor the scapegoat in the Madhya Pradesh cough syrup tragedy, arguing that those responsible for approving such dangerous medications must be held accountable.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dr. Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron of FAIMA, addressed the devastating situation where 16 children died after consuming adulterated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh.

"We express our deepest condolences to the affected families. This tragedy highlights a serious issue: many pharmaceutical companies that should have been banned continue to operate, and numerous prohibited drug combinations remain widely available in the market. The Madhya Pradesh incident clearly demonstrates how easily banned drug formulations can be purchased," Dr. Krishnan stated.

He emphasized that medications require multiple approvals and licensing before market distribution. "Everyone involved in approving this medicine should face severe consequences. The pay-for-certificate system plaguing our healthcare sector is deeply troubling," he added.

The cough syrup at the center of this tragedy, Coldrif, contained ingredients specifically prohibited for use in children under four years of age. The medication, prescribed for cold and cough symptoms, includes chlorpheniramine maleate, paracetamol, and phenylephrine.

A central government directive from 2023 explicitly stated that the fixed-dose combination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate IP 2mg and Phenylephrine HCL IP 5mg drop/ml "should not be used in children below four years of age."

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation instructed pharmaceutical companies to include appropriate warnings on product packaging, but many firms failed to update their labels. Additionally, state governments did not launch awareness campaigns to prevent the medication's use in young children.

Dr. Praveen Soni, a government doctor also maintaining a private practice in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, has been arrested for alleged negligence after prescribing Coldrif to many children who subsequently died.

When questioned about why a doctor would prescribe such medication despite government advisories, Dr. Krishnan responded, "Doctors prescribe medications that are available on the market. Even I was unaware of the 2023 notification. It's the responsibility of central and state governments to disseminate information about such advisories. The required warning labels were missing from the packaging."

"While doctors should have comprehensive knowledge about medications they prescribe, and Dr. Soni made an error, making him a scapegoat merely to demonstrate action to the public is unjust," Dr. Krishnan argued.

"The doctor hasn't committed an offense warranting imprisonment. Following that logic, everyone from the pharmacist to the parents who administered the medicine should be jailed, which is unreasonable. The government must accept responsibility. Officials are using the doctor as a scapegoat. Why didn't the authorities raise awareness? Is every doctor expected to read every government notification?"

Dr. Krishnan pointed out that doctors become easy targets in such situations. "It's evident that this government doctor is being targeted simply to appease public outrage."

FAIMA has issued a statement calling for the central government to establish an investigation panel to conduct a "thorough and impartial inquiry" into the cough syrup tragedy.

"The committee should include qualified medical experts, pharmacologists, and representatives from various states to ensure transparency, neutrality, and comprehensive oversight," the statement recommended.

"Registered doctors should not face unjustified blame or harassment until the investigation concludes and the actual cause is scientifically determined. The arrested doctor should be immediately released, and any disciplinary or legal action should only be considered after a complete investigation with representation from recognized medical organizations such as FAIMA and IMA. The inquiry must preserve the dignity and accountability of medical professionals while ensuring justice for victims," the statement concluded.