Govt Advisory After 12 Child Deaths: No Cough Syrup for Kids Under 2

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A wave of fear has gripped Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after 12 children reportedly died from cough syrup consumption, with kidney failure being the cause. In response, the Central Government has issued a nationwide advisory, warning parents against giving cough and cold syrups to children under two years of age.

The government advisory states: “Children under two should not be given cough and cold medicines. In fact, such medicines are generally not recommended for children under five years. Any medication must be based on careful clinical evaluation, strict monitoring, appropriate dosage, shortest effective duration, and avoidance of unnecessary combinations. The public must also be made aware of following only doctor-prescribed medications.”

The advisory further said that even for children above five, these medicines should be used only if deemed clinically necessary by doctors, and strictly in minimal dose, short duration, without risky combinations.

The ministry advised that home-based and non-drug remedies such as proper hydration, rest, and supportive care should be the first approach in child care. It also directed all health centers and clinics to ensure medicines are procured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and contain pharmaceutical-grade excipients. To maintain safe practices, sensitization of doctors and pharmacists in both public and private sectors is necessary.