Government cracks down on children's cough syrups: Non compliance to invite license cancellation

New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): Taking cognizance of recent incidents involving the use of cough syrups in children, the central government has taken a major step. Union Health Secretary Punya Salil Srivastava held a high-level meeting with all states and issued a stern warning to pharmaceutical companies. He stated that if companies do not adhere to prescribed quality standards, their licenses will be revoked.

The Health Secretary issued clear instructions that all pharmaceutical companies must strictly adhere to the quality standards set out in the revised Schedule M. He directed states to increase drug quality monitoring and promptly report any complaints on the IDSP-IHIP platform.

Secretary Srivastava also issued important advice for the general public. He said, "Most coughs in children are minor and resolve on their own with time. Therefore, cough syrups should be used with great caution and only on medical advice." He cautioned that indiscriminately giving children medication can have serious health consequences.

The government has urged states to launch public awareness campaigns to curb the practice of overprescribing medicines. This step, taken following serious incidents involving cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, aims to ensure the quality of medicines manufactured in India and to prioritize the safety of children.