Medical professionals have voiced concern over the handling of the recent cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh, where 16 children died after consuming adulterated medication, saying a doctor is being unfairly made a scapegoat.
Dr Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), said the responsibility lies with those who approve and allow unsafe drugs into the market. “This is very unfortunate, and we express our condolences to their families. Many drug companies should have been banned, and many drug combinations should not be available in the market. The Madhya Pradesh issue has shown that banned drug combinations are easily available in the market,” he said.
Dr Krishnan highlighted the systemic issues in the healthcare sector. “All the people who gave a green signal to this medicine should face strict action. The pay-for-certificate system in the healthcare sector is extremely unfortunate,” he added.
The cough syrup at the centre of the tragedy, Coldrif, contained chlorpheniramine maleate, paracetamol, and phenylephrine. A 2023 government order had clearly stated that the fixed-dose combination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate IP 2mg and Phenylephrine HCL IP 5mg drop/ml “should not be used in children below four years of age.” Pharmaceutical firms were instructed to display warnings on the packaging. However, labels were not updated, and state governments did not launch awareness campaigns to prevent its use among children.
Also read: IMA questions arrest of doctor in MP cough syrup deaths
Dr Praveen Soni, a government doctor also running a private practice in Chhindwara, was arrested for negligence for allegedly prescribing Coldrif to several children who died. Dr Krishnan defended the doctor, saying: “A doctor prescribes drugs available in the market. Even I was not aware of the 2023 notification. It is the duty of the central and state governments to spread awareness about such advisories. The warning labels were not on the packaging.”
He added, “It is a doctor's responsibility to have detailed knowledge about the medicines he prescribes. He has made a mistake. But to make him the scapegoat to show action to the public is not right. The doctor has not done something for which he should be jailed. By that logic, everyone from the medicine seller to the parents who gave the medicine to the children should be jailed. This is not sensible. The government must take responsibility. Officials want to make the doctor the scapegoat. Why didn't you spread awareness? Will every doctor keep reading every notification the government puts out?”
Dr Krishnan emphasised that the doctor is being targeted to placate public outrage. “It is clear that the government doctor is being targeted to pacify public outrage,” he said.
FAIMA has demanded that the central government constitute an impartial investigation panel comprising medical experts, pharmacologists, and representatives from different states to ensure transparency and neutrality. “Ensure that registered doctors are not wrongfully blamed or harassed until the investigation is completed and the actual cause of the incident is scientifically established. The doctor who has been arrested should be released from custody immediately, and any disciplinary or legal action should be considered only after the investigation is completed thoroughly with representation from recognised medical bodies such as FAIMA and IMA. The inquiry must be conducted in a manner that upholds the dignity and accountability of medical professionals while ensuring justice for the victims,” Dr Krishnan added.
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