A government-supplied cough syrup, manufactured by Kayson Pharma, has been linked to the deaths of at least two children and illnesses in many others across Rajasthan. The syrup, containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide, was distributed under the Chief Minister Free Medicine Scheme. A doctor collapsed after drinking the syrup publicly to allay fears about its safety.
The Rajasthan government has banned 22 batches of the syrup, recalled over 1.33 lakh bottles, and frozen remaining stock, including 8,200 bottles at Jaipur’s SMS Hospital. While health officials investigate contamination and prescription irregularities, the company’s history of quality test failures intensifies concern among communities and medical experts.
Tragic Deaths and Alarming Reactions
The tragedy came to light after 5-year-old Nitish from Sikar district died within hours of receiving the syrup at Chirana Community Health Centre. His symptoms included coughing at night before he fell unconscious and was declared dead at the hospital. Earlier, 2-year-old Samrat in Bharatpur died after the same syrup was administered at a local public health centre.
Families of affected children reported severe reactions, with other young patients vomiting or losing consciousness. Adding to the alarm, Dr Tarachand Yogi from Bayana Community Health Centre, who consumed the syrup publicly to demonstrate its safety, fell unconscious hours later in his car. The ambulance driver who took the syrup also suffered serious symptoms but has since recovered.
Government Response and Investigation Underway
Following these distressing events, Rajasthan’s health authorities banned 22 batches of the cough syrup and halted all further distribution from Kayson Pharma. Jai Singh, Executive Director for Quality Control at Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited, confirmed that doctors have been instructed to stop prescribing the syrup while samples undergo testing.
As of October, more than 1.33 lakh bottles had been distributed statewide since July, with 8,200 bottles sequestered at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Hospital under orders not to use them. Rajasthan’s Drug Controller Ajay Phatak stated that samples collected from affected regions are being tested with results expected within days.
Officials have emphasised that this syrup is not recommended for children under five and warned against self-medication. A formal inquiry is in progress to determine the contamination source and assess potential negligence.
Worrying History and Calls for Accountability
Kayson Pharma’s involvement has raised serious red flags given its record of quality failures, failing state drug tests 40 times in two years and being previously blacklisted for substandard products. Despite this, the company continued supplying medicines under the free healthcare scheme.
Similar suspicions surround cough syrup linked to multiple child deaths and acute kidney failure in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, where authorities identified possible contamination with the toxic chemical diethylene glycol. Health experts urge stringent quality control on government-supplied medicines to prevent avoidable loss of life, stressing oversight and ethical supply chain practices.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unfolding crisis exposes dangerous cracks in public health oversight where the lives of children are at stake. Free medicine schemes aim to serve vulnerable populations, yet poor quality control and inadequate prescription oversight threaten their very purpose.
The Logical Indian believes ensuring safe, tested, and reliable medicines must be paramount, alongside transparent investigations and accountability for lapses.
