Number of children died after drinking cough syrup increases to 14 in Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: The number of children, died after drinking cough syrup in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has increased to 14.
According to Kashmir Media Service, initial investigations have revealed that the cough syrup contained the industrial chemical diethylene glycol, which is a highly toxic substance and even in small quantities can cause severe damage to the kidneys and be fatal.
According to the Ministry of Health, 48.6 percent diethylene glycol was found in the medicine samples, which is much higher than the dangerous limit for human consumption.
The drug was manufactured in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu under the name “Coldrif” and was prescribed to the affected children by renowned pediatrician Dr Praveen Soni.
After the incident, the Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of not only this drug but also all products of the company concerned.
The police have arrested Dr Praveen Soni and started further investigation.
According to officials, samples of the drug have been sent for further laboratory analysis to reveal the full reasons for the incident.
