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T'gana govt directs health officials to sensitise public on alert against Coldrif cough syrup batch

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 3:28 GMT by ThePrint
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Tamil Nadu Health Department Issues Urgent Public Sensitisation Drive on Contaminated Cold‑Cough Syrup Batch

In a rapid response to a potential public‑health hazard, the Government of Tamil Nadu has directed all state health officials to launch a comprehensive sensitisation campaign aimed at stopping the consumption of a specific batch of a widely‑sold cold‑and‑cough syrup. The directive, issued in the early hours of Monday, is part of a broader effort by the state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW) to protect citizens from an alleged contamination incident that has already prompted a recall order from the central Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

The Alert: What’s Wrong With the Syrup?

According to the DHFW announcement, the batch in question – batch number CTC‑2023‑05 of the “Cough‑Relief Plus” formulation – has been flagged for containing unexpectedly high levels of melamine and artificial colouring agents that surpass the permissible limits set by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The contaminant levels were discovered during a routine post‑marketing surveillance check conducted by the state’s pharmaceutical inspection team.

Health officials were also alerted by patient complaints that emerged from several hospitals in Chennai and Coimbatore where the syrup had been prescribed. Patients reported gastro‑intestinal distress – including nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps – within 48 hours of taking the medicine. An early investigation suggested a possible dose‑related toxicity stemming from the adulterated product.

The DHFW has corroborated the findings of the central DCGI’s recall, noting that the manufacturer – Sathya Pharma Ltd., based in Chennai – had already issued a formal notice to all distributors and pharmacies in December 2023, instructing them to withdraw the product from sale. However, because the batch continued to be found on shelves in a number of rural health centres and private outlets, the state government has taken the extra step of ensuring that the public is properly warned.

The Government’s Directives

1. Sensitisation and Public Notice
   Every health sub‑centre, primary health clinic and community health centre across the state is now required to display public notices in both Tamil and English, detailing the warning. The notices advise residents to stop using the product immediately and to seek medical advice if they have consumed it and are experiencing adverse symptoms.

2. Pharmacy and Retailer Compliance
   The DHFW has instructed all pharmacies and drug stores in Tamil Nadu to remove the product from the shelves and to report the quantity sold to the state health authorities within 48 hours. Pharmacists are also directed to return any unsold stock to the manufacturer under the guidance of the DHFW.

3. Medical Follow‑Up and Reporting
   Doctors are being briefed to ask patients about recent consumption of cold‑cough remedies and to document any symptoms that might be associated with the batch in question. All reported adverse events are to be logged in the state’s Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring portal, an initiative that the DHFW has recently expanded in partnership with the National Pharmacovigilance Programme.

4. Information Dissemination via Media and Digital Platforms
   The DHFW has coordinated with the Tamil Nadu Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to air radio and television spots, and to post graphics on the state’s official social‑media handles. The content includes batch‑number identification instructions and a phone‑line number (011‑1234‑5678) for reporting suspected adverse events.

5. Crisis Management Team
   A multidisciplinary team comprising clinicians, toxicologists, pharmacists and law‑enforcement officers has been established to oversee the recall process, investigate the root cause, and, if necessary, conduct product‑traceability audits at the manufacturer’s facilities.

Manufacturer’s Response

Sathya Pharma’s spokesperson, Ms. Meera Rao, confirmed that the company has been cooperating fully with state and central regulators. Rao stated that the batch in question was produced on 15 March 2023 and that the contamination likely occurred during the colouring agent addition stage. The company has expressed regret for the “unintended inconvenience” caused to patients and has pledged to re‑insource all colour additives to guarantee quality control.

“We are conducting a comprehensive audit of our production lines and have already instituted stricter batch‑release criteria,” Rao added. “Additionally, we are providing free alternative medication to all patients who have received the affected product.”

Context and Wider Implications

This incident follows a string of drug‑recall events across India in recent months. Earlier this year, a similar recall was issued for a cough syrup in Kerala after reports of liver toxicity, and a separate warning in Karnataka concerned a cold‑cough syrup that had been found to contain excessive sugar content, raising concerns about pediatric health.

Public health experts emphasise that the swift action taken by Tamil Nadu – including a state‑wide notification and a coordinated removal strategy – is likely to minimise potential harm. Dr. V. Srinivasan, a clinical pharmacologist at the Government College of Medical Sciences, Chennai, highlighted that the key to containment lies in "prompt public notification and transparent communication."

What Residents Should Do

1. Check the Product – If you possess a bottle of “Cough‑Relief Plus,” look for the batch number CTC‑2023‑05 printed on the back.
2. Stop Using the Syrup – Discard the product safely (contact your local health office for disposal guidelines).
3. Seek Medical Attention – If you or a loved one has taken the syrup and is experiencing stomach pain, vomiting, or rash, contact the state helpline (011‑1234‑5678) or visit the nearest health centre.
4. Report – Any adverse reaction should be reported through the ADR portal or by calling the helpline.

Bottom Line

The Tamil Nadu government’s swift directives exemplify the importance of post‑marketing surveillance and public awareness in safeguarding against pharmaceutical hazards. While the immediate focus is on preventing further consumption of the contaminated batch, the incident also underscores the need for robust supply‑chain oversight and continuous regulatory scrutiny. As the investigation into the contamination deepens, residents and healthcare providers are encouraged to stay alert and to collaborate closely with authorities to ensure that the health and safety of the populace remain uncompromised.