Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: Following alarming reports of child deaths linked to cough syrup consumption in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry has issued a nationwide advisory prohibiting the use of cough and cold medications for children below two years of age, officials said on Saturday.

The directive from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has triggered swift action in Odisha, where authorities have begun investigating the presence of such syrups in local markets.

Also Read: 187 Bottles Of Cough Syrup Seized In Subarnapur, Two Arrested

Suspect Syrup Seized in Odisha
In a proactive move, the Odisha Health Department has seized a batch of cough syrup transported from Kanchipuram to Bargarh and sent it to a laboratory for testing. The state’s Drugs Controller, Mamina Pattnaik, confirmed that circulars have been issued to all druggists, chemist associations, and retailers, warning them against selling cough syrups to infants and urging strict compliance with the advisory.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting has also been held with local pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure vigilance and accountability. “We are taking every possible step to prevent the circulation of harmful syrups and protect our children,” Pattnaik stated.

Medical Experts Support the Ban
Pediatricians across Odisha have endorsed the Centre’s advisory, emphasizing the risks associated with administering cough syrups to infants. Dr. Janaki Ballav Pradhan, a child health specialist, warned that such medications can cause severe complications and should be strictly avoided for children under two.

The advisory highlights that these syrups, often used to relieve discomfort, may pose life-threatening risks to toddlers. The DGHS has urged all states and union territories to enforce the guidelines rigorously.