Cough syrup death toll rises to 20 in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) said 20 children have died so far after drinking a contaminated cough syrup, while five are under treatment for kidney failure.

Of the 20 children, 17 are from Chhindwara district, two from Betul, and one is from Pandhurna.

“Some children who were older have recovered, but two children died today [Tuesday] and one child died last night [Monday]. Earlier 17 children had died,” Mr. Shukla said after visiting hospitals in Nagpur.

“Two children are admitted here [Government Medical College, Nagpur], two are at AIIMS, and one is at a private hospital. [Chief Minister] Mohan Yadavji’s government has made all arrangements so that they don’t face any problems during treatment or any financial burden,” he added.

After suffering from fever and cold, the children had consumed ‘Coldrif’ syrup, resulting in vomiting and problems in urinating. The first death was reported on September 2. The syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram. 

Earlier this month, drug control authorities of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh found the syrup to be adulterated with over 45% diethylene glycol, a chemical causing serious health problems, prompting the two States to ban the sale of the syrup. 

The Madhya Pradesh Police also arrested Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician in Chhindwara’s Parasia, for prescribing the medicine to many of the children [who died later], while also booking the manufacturer and forming a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case. 

State to fund treatment

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the State government will bear the cost of treatment of the children currently admitted in Nagpur. 

“On the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Chhindwara Collector has formed three teams to assist the children undergoing treatment in Nagpur,” a government statement said. 

Doctors’ demonstration

In the wake of the paediatrician’s arrest, several doctors staged a demonstration in Parasia and launched an indefinite strike, with the district unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanding Dr. Soni’s immediate release. 

A delegation of doctors also submitted a memorandum to the Chhindwara Additional Collector.  “They are demanding his release but the administration has not given them any assurance. The action has been taken by the police based on facts. If they have any issues with it, they can approach the courts,” he said. 

Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Ankur Batra, a general surgeon and IMA Parasia unit secretary, claimed said the charges against Dr. Soni are false and that the government hadn’t “acted against those actually responsible for the tragedy”.

“He is not a criminal but a very senior doctor. He should not be treated this way. Action should be taken against the drug manufacturers and those who approved it for use. He only prescribed it,” Dr. Batra said.

“We demand that he is released immediately and the investigation can continue as usual. It will be an indefinite strike until he is released,” he added.

He said that members from the dental association, pharma association and other local bodies also joined them in the protest. A silent rally is scheduled to be held on Wednesday (October 8).