Health department on alert after child dies from suspected cough syrup consumption
Ranchi (The Uttam Hindu) - The death of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl in Jharkhand's Koderma district after consuming cough syrup has caused a stir in the health department. The deceased girl has been identified as Ragini Kumari, daughter of Koderma resident Ravi Bhuiyan.
The incident has raised serious questions about the quality of cough syrups in the state and their safe use with children. According to family members, Ragini had been suffering from a cough for the past two days. While treating herself at home, she was given cough syrup from a nearby medical store. Shortly after consuming the syrup, the child's condition suddenly deteriorated. She became restless and had trouble breathing.
The alarmed family rushed the girl to Koderma Sadar Hospital on Sunday, where doctors immediately declared her dead after examination. Upon receiving the news of the girl's death, the family was devastated, and an atmosphere of mourning descended on the hospital campus. The deceased girl's mother says that Ragini's condition worsened after she was given cough syrup, and she died.
Koderma Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar stated that, given the seriousness of the case, the drug inspector has been instructed to investigate. He added that the cough syrup manufacturer, its expiration date, and the role of the medical store will also be investigated. The actual cause of the girl's death will only be revealed after the investigation report is released.
It should be noted that in October, following the deaths of several children in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh after consuming cough syrups, the Jharkhand government banned the sale and use of three cough syrups with immediate effect. The order, issued by the State Drug Control Directorate, Namkum (Ranchi), of the Health and Family Welfare Department, stated that Coldref, Rapifresh TR, and Relife syrups were found to be "substandard."
The test report found that the amount of diethylene glycol in these syrups exceeded the prescribed standards. The Directorate also ordered inspections, sampling, and legal action under the regulations at medical stores and hospitals.