The Uttarakhand government has initiated strict action against illegal, unsafe, and substandard cough syrups across the state, though some establishments have still been found to be selling the lethal medicines.
Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) teams are active in every district of the state, conducting surprise inspections at drug dealers, wholesale suppliers, and medical stores.
Officials conduct intensive raids
The most intensive raids of the day were conducted at multiple locations in Dehradun. The sale of children's cough and cold medicines was immediately halted. The stores where these medicines were stored were sealed on the spot. Sellers have been instructed not to sell these medicines until further notice.
Many sellers have already removed such medication in view of the FDA’s disapproval. Syrups like Coldrif, Respifresh-TR, and Relife were found unavailable in any of the medical stores in Dehradun.
While 11 samples have been sent for testing from the capital, 40 samples have been sent for the same from Udham Singh Nagar. From Haridwar, 39 samples are to be tested, while from Rudraprayag, four are to be tested. On-spot testing revealed contaminants such as Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
In Kotdwar, FDA teams recovered stocks of Respifresh TR cough syrup, which has been declared lethal. Bottles of this syrup have also been found in Almora district.
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The state’s CM, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has already warned that certain syrups are not to be given to children under the age of five, and the FDA has also cautioned adults to take medicines only on the advice of a doctor.
During the ongoing raids across the state, 148 samples have been sent for testing. In addition, notices have been issued to dozens of establishments, and suspicious stock has been seized and sealed at several locations.
Government says no compromise on children's health
“Any negligence regarding the quality and safety of medicines will not be tolerated,” the CM said. The state’s health minister, Dhan Singh Rawat has said that the government will ensure that only certified and safe medicines reach the public.
The FDA has appealed to the state's residents to report to the local drug inspector if any medical store or distributor in their area is found to be selling banned syrups. The department has clarified that upon receipt of the investigation report, license cancellation, fines, and other legal action will be taken against establishments found guilty. |
