The Tamil Nadu government has permanently shut down Sresan Pharmaceuticals and revoked its manufacturing licence after the Coldrif cough syrup, produced by the company, was linked to the deaths of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and other states.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent known to cause acute kidney failure. Officials revealed that the company flagrantly violated over 300 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) norms.
Both the plant’s owner, Dr G Ranganathan, and its analytical chemist, K Maheswari, were ordered to provide explanations and face legal consequences.
Shock Over Deadly Contamination
The state’s Drug Control Department found through laboratory analysis that Coldrif syrup contained dangerously high levels of DEG, which is lethal in even small amounts for humans, especially children.
The facility, located near Sriperumbudur, was discovered to be operating under unsafe, squalid conditions, with residues of syrup bottles and chemical barrels left inside during a hurried clean-up. Locals described regular activity at the premises, with women workers seen entering and leaving daily, hinting at systemic oversight failures.
The state’s Health Department noted, “This is a grave lapse that cost innocent lives; we are determined to ensure such incidents will never be repeated.”
Timeline of the Crackdown
The action began shortly after Madhya Pradesh’s Food and Drug Administration alerted Tamil Nadu authorities to Coldrif’s dangers on October 1. Samples from Batch No. SR-13 were tested and found dangerously adulterated within 24 hours.
The government wasted no time, issuing a statewide ban on the syrup, alerting authorities in neighbouring states, and sealing the manufacturing facility by October 3. Subsequently, Dr Ranganathan, 75, was arrested in Chennai on October 9 with coordination between Madhya Pradesh’s SIT and Tamil Nadu police.
Ministry officials reported that over 300 key compliance standards had been violated, exposing deep-rooted problems in quality assurance at the plant.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of regulatory vigilance, robust enforcement, and compassionate leadership in safeguarding public health. The Logical Indian calls for transparent investigations, stronger oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturers, and a culture of ethical responsibility in medicine.
