Tragedy in Madhya Pradesh: Cough Syrup Claims Lives of 20 Children

Madhya Pradesh is grappling with a health crisis after 20 children reportedly died from consuming Coldrif cough syrup. Seventeen of these cases are from Chhindwara district, with two from Betul and one from Pandhurna. State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed the figures on Wednesday.

In response, authorities have dispatched police teams to Chennai and Kanchipuram to apprehend the manufacturer's owner. Shukla urged doctors not to strike and to heed the government's advisories against prescribing cough syrup to children under four years of age.

The incident has prompted protests by doctors in Chhindwara, demanding the release of Dr. Praveen Soni, a government pediatrician who was jailed in connection with the deaths. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shukla assured that efforts are being made to save five children currently receiving treatment in Nagpur.

Efforts are in full swing to provide medical care, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announcing state coverage for treatment costs of affected children. A coordinated team of magistrates and doctors oversees the efforts to ensure proper healthcare monitoring and support for the families involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)