India bans over-the-counter cough syrups after child deaths spark outrage

Contaminated cough syrups made in India have led to child deaths in multiple regions. The issue has drawn sharp criticism from the Supreme Court, which condemned the pharmaceutical sector for damaging the country's reputation. Authorities have now banned the sale of such syrups without a prescription. The problem stems from the presence of diethylene glycol in the syrup, which caused kidney and liver failure. Despite this, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has been slow to enforce quality regulations. It has also withheld details of manufacturers found with serious deficiencies.

India lacks a unified system to penalise drug manufacturers across states. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, remains outdated and fails to address modern drug safety concerns. Regulatory gaps have persisted for decades without correction.

The union government has now barred over-the-counter sales of cough syrups. Additionally, calls have grown to mandate full disclosure of drug test results under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The Supreme Court’s rebuke highlights the urgency of reform. Stricter enforcement, transparency in testing, and updated laws are needed to prevent further harm. Without these changes, the risks to public health will remain unresolved.