Punjab government's big move: Coldrif cough syrup banned over toxicity concerns

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Following the deaths of 17 children in Madhya Pradesh after consuming cough syrup, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has taken a major decision. The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of "Coldrif Cough Syrup," effective immediately. Formal orders have been issued by the state health department.

As per the orders issued by the Health Department, all chemists, wholesalers, distributors, registered medical practitioners, hospitals and other healthcare institutions in Punjab are strictly prohibited from purchasing, selling or using this product.

The order also states that if anyone in the state has any stock of this syrup, they should immediately inform the Food and Drug Administration. An investigation found that this syrup, manufactured in Tamil Nadu, was adulterated with the deadly chemical diethylene glycol, which caused the deaths of children. This is why this ban has been imposed.