Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, Feb 3: A four-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh has died at AIIMS Nagpur, months after he allegedly slipped into a coma following the consumption of ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup, officials said on Monday.

The child, identified as Harsh, a resident of Tikabarri village in Betul district, had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit since September-October last year. He died during treatment on Sunday night.

Betul Chief Medical and Health Officer Manoj Hurmade confirmed the death and said a post-mortem examination was conducted in Nagpur on Monday.

In September and October last year, several children from Chhindwara and Betul districts reportedly fell critically ill after consuming Coldrif cough syrup. Symptoms included vomiting, fever and inability to urinate.

At least 24 children were reported dead in the incident.

Investigations later revealed the cough syrup contained diethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical known to cause acute kidney failure. A sample tested at a government drug testing laboratory in Chennai was declared “Not of Standard Quality” by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drug Control.

As per an October 2 report, the Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Kancheepuram, was found to be adulterated and contained 48.8% diethylene glycol, a substance injurious to health.

Following the deaths, the Drug Controller General of India conducted a probe into the matter.

The company owner and a government doctor who allegedly recommended the syrup were arrested, and the Madhya Pradesh government banned the sale of the cough syrup in October last year.