Tamil Nadu Takes Swift Action in Cough Syrup Scandal

In a decisive move, two senior drug inspectors in Tamil Nadu have been suspended for their inaction related to a cough syrup adulteration case that reportedly resulted in multiple deaths. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced the suspension alongside plans to shut down the offending pharma company, Sresen Pharma, permanently.

Minister Subramanian explained that the inspectors had failed to visit the manufacturing site over the past two years. Their oversight allowed the compromised product, identified as Coldrif cough syrup, to reach the market. The state responded by revoking the company's manufacturing license temporarily and issuing a production halt on October 3.

The situation escalated with the arrest of G Ranganathan, the owner of Sresen Pharma, as criminal proceedings commenced. Subramanian emphasized that Tamil Nadu was the first to confirm the syrup's adulteration, promptly alerting national and regional authorities to the health risks. The minister assured the public that a complete shutdown of the company would be discussed within days, preventing further danger.

(With inputs from agencies.)