The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (TGDCA) has banned two cough syrups, Relife Syrup and Respifresh TR Syrup, after tests revealed contamination with the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG).
Following the deaths of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to toxic cough syrups, Telangana’s health authorities issued a stop-use notice and ordered seizure of specific batches of these syrups produced by Gujarat-based firms.
Officials have urged the public to dispose of or surrender these syrups immediately to prevent further tragedies. Strict enforcement of the ban is underway across Telangana.
Urgent Public Health Warning and Official Response
In early October 2025, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration issued a public alert and banned the use and sale of Relife Syrup (Batch No. LSL25160) and Respifresh TR Syrup (Batch No. R01GL2523) after laboratory tests confirmed they contained the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG). Authorities said these products pose a serious health risk to children, especially those under five years old.
The TGDCA ordered all medical retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals across the state to immediately stop distribution and recall stocks of these cough syrups. District medical officers have been tasked with ensuring the implementation of this ban in both private and government-run facilities.
Health officials have also warned caregivers against using any cough syrup without proper medical supervision, emphasizing that many mild cough cases in young children resolve without medication.
A Deadly Pharmaceutical Scandal Across States
The ban in Telangana is part of a larger national response following the tragic deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan due to acute kidney failure caused by consumption of DEG-contaminated cough syrups.
The crisis began with Coldrif syrup, which was found to be contaminated and linked to multiple child fatalities. Investigations revealed alarming lapses in drug manufacturing and regulation across states, and the problem quickly escalated to include several brands and batches of cough syrups. After initial bans in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, Telangana’s recent action demonstrates the widening impact of this public health emergency.
The pharmaceutical companies involved are under investigation for safety violations, with calls for criminal accountability intensifying. The government has promised to strengthen regulatory scrutiny and improve quality control mechanisms to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
The Wider Challenge of Child Healthcare and Drug Safety
This episode sheds light on the vulnerability of children to substandard or contaminated medicines, a major concern in pediatric healthcare. Cough syrups are among the most commonly prescribed remedies for respiratory illnesses, but recent events underscore the risks when pharmaceutical standards are compromised.
The health advisory from Telangana emphasizes cautious prescription practices, better regulatory oversight, and raising awareness among parents and healthcare providers about medicine safety. Experts recommend that healthcare workers prioritize non-pharmaceutical interventions where possible and be vigilant for early signs of adverse reactions in children.
The incident also calls for urgent reforms in India’s pharmaceutical regulation to ensure stringent quality checks, accountability, and prompt action against errant manufacturers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective and Call to Action
From The Logical Indian’s standpoint, the ban on Relife and Respifresh TR syrups is a crucial safety measure reflecting the right priority: protecting children from preventable deaths due to toxic medicines. However, this tragic episode calls for more than just reactive bans.
Sustainable change demands robust regulatory frameworks, transparent enforcement, and corporate responsibility to uphold public trust in healthcare.
The Logical Indian advocates for empathetic community dialogue, empowering caregivers with knowledge, and fostering a culture of accountability and kindness in health administration.
