NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Tamil Nadu government has taken decisive action against Sresan Pharmaceuticals following a deadly cough syrup tragedy. The company's manufacturing license has been permanently revoked after investigations revealed dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals in their Coldrif syrup. More than 20 children died after consuming the adulterated medicine, prompting nationwide outcry and calls for pharmaceutical regulation reform. The company's owner, G. Ranganathan, has been arrested, and authorities are conducting extensive investigations into the manufacturing violations.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Shuts Sresan Pharma Over Toxic Cough Syrup Tragedy

  • TN government permanently revokes Sresan Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing license
  • Coldrif syrup contained 48.6% deadly diethylene glycol instead of safe ingredients
  • Over 20 children died in Madhya Pradesh after consuming toxic medicine
  • Company violated 300 critical manufacturing and safety norms
2 min read

TN revokes Sresan Pharmaceuticals' license over toxic cough syrup tragedy

TN revokes Sresan Pharmaceuticals' license after deadly cough syrup linked to 20 child deaths, reveals massive manufacturing violations

"The drug manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been completely cancelled - Tamil Nadu Government Statement"

Chennai, Oct 13

The Tamil Nadu government has permanently revoked the manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the adulterated cough syrup Coldrif, and ordered its complete shutdown following revelations that the medicine contained dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals.

In a statement, the Tamil Nadu government said: "The drug manufacturing licence of Sresan Pharmaceuticals has been completely cancelled, and the company has been shut down. Orders have also been issued to conduct a detailed inspection of all drug manufacturing units across Tamil Nadu to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards."

Officials added that the Health Department will tighten monitoring mechanisms and adopt stricter penalties for pharmaceutical firms violating public health norms.

The state Drug Control Department, during an inspection of the firm's Kancheepuram facility, found that Coldrif syrup contained 48.6 per cent diethylene glycol (DEG) -- a lethal industrial solvent used in antifreeze -- instead of approved pharmaceutical ingredients.

Consumption of the syrup has been linked to the death of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, triggering outrage and nationwide scrutiny.

Officials said the company had violated over 300 critical and major norms, including the absence of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

Investigators also uncovered that the firm used non-pharma-grade solvents, ignored mandatory testing procedures, and falsified production logs.

Sresan Pharmaceuticals' owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested last week by a special investigation team from Madhya Pradesh probing the child deaths. His arrest followed days of raids and evidence-gathering across Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier on Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous searches at seven locations in Chennai, including the company's headquarters and residences of senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Office.

The raids were part of a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace possible financial irregularities and diversion of funds.

The tragedy has reignited calls for nationwide reform in drug regulation and oversight, as public health experts urge stronger inter-state coordination to prevent recurrence of such preventable deaths.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action! But why did it take children's deaths for authorities to wake up? The inspection revealed 300+ violations - where were the regulators all this time? This shows our drug monitoring system needs complete overhaul.
S
Sarah B
As a mother, this terrifies me. We trust pharmaceutical companies with our children's health. 48.6% DEG instead of proper ingredients? This is criminal negligence of the highest order. The owner should face maximum punishment.
A
Arjun K
Good move by TN government, but this is just one company. How many more Sresan Pharmaceuticals are operating across India? We need nationwide inspections and stricter penalties. Public health cannot be compromised for profits.
V
Vikram M
The ED raids show this goes beyond just manufacturing violations. Money laundering angle suggests systematic corruption. Hope they trace all the money and ensure proper compensation for the affected families. Justice must be served.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the government's action now, I'm concerned about the timing. Regular inspections should have caught these violations earlier. This reactive approach costs lives. We need proactive monitoring systems across all states.

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