Key Points

The Health Secretary's statement came after Madhya Pradesh Police arrested the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals from Tamil Nadu, in connection with the deaths of 20 children in the state, allegedly caused by the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by the company.

Speaking to reporters, Senthil Kumar said that intensive inspections have been ordered across Tamil Nadu and strict measures have been taken against the company, which was found "violating safety norms".

"The state authority had done an inspection on this firm (Sresan Pharmaceuticals) and follow-up action of a fine was levied. In the last two years, there was a lapse for which action has been taken. The government has been conducting periodic inspections and taking follow-up action. Intensive inspections have been ordered in the state," he said.

Referring to the recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that highlighted gaps in the state's drug testing process, the Health Secretary said, "Several violations have been reported, and criminal action is being taken. The company's (Sresan Pharmaceuticals) license has been suspended. Recently, the government has recruited 90 drug inspectors."

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan following the consumption of toxic cough syrup.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai declined to entertain the plea after a brief hearing. Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the petitioner, argued that this was not the first instance of adulterated medicines being sold and said that a single agency investigation was required as states were "blaming each other."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was present in the courtroom, informed the bench that the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, etc., were already taking necessary steps.

Tiwari further contended that several children had died and that no proper lab tests or clinical trials had been conducted.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh police arrested S Ranganathan, the owner of the Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceuticals company that manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup linked to 20 children's deaths.

- ANI