Chandigarh, Oct 15: Following reports of the deaths of over a dozen children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly after consuming Coldrife cough syrup, the Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on eight medicines, including the syrup, across the state. The decision, officials said, was taken as part of an urgent safety measure to protect public health.
The Health Department issued orders on Wednesday to stop the sale, distribution, and use of these drugs in all government and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. “The safety of citizens is our top priority, and no negligence will be tolerated,” Health Minister Balbir Singh said, adding that action has already begun against three pharmaceutical firms linked to the banned medicines.
Apart from Coldrife, the other drugs prohibited include Normal Saline, Dextrose Injection, Ciprofloxacin Injection, DNS 0.9%, N/2 Plus Dextrose IV Fluid, and Bupivacaine HCL with Dextrose. All medical institutions have been told to immediately withdraw existing stock and find safe alternatives for patient use.
A senior health official said that repeated complaints about adverse reactions and quality issues had prompted the move. “We are ensuring that no unsafe medicine reaches patients. District and chief medical officers have been directed to monitor the situation closely and report any health complications,” the official said.
An expert committee has also been set up to investigate reported side effects and recommend treatment protocols for affected patients. Meanwhile, the Drug Control Department is intensifying market inspections and sampling to check the quality of medicines available in Punjab.
To raise public awareness, the government has launched an information campaign urging citizens not to consume the banned medicines and to report any health issues immediately. A 24-hour helpline has also been activated for assistance and complaints.
“The government will not allow anyone to play with people’s lives,” Singh said. “We have strengthened our quality control system to ensure that every medicine sold in Punjab is safe and trustworthy.”
