Uttarakhand has launched a state-wide campaign to clamp down on banned cough syrups in response to recent child fatality incidents in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, officials announced on Monday.
The state government issued directives for immediate withdrawal of suspect syrups from all medical stores, including private pharmacies. Health officers have been tasked to conduct surprise inspections and verify drug licences and inventories. Any found stock of prohibited cough syrups is to be seized and the sellers penalised under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged public cooperation, stating that the safety of children is paramount. He said that stricter monitoring mechanisms will be put in place, and instructed the Health Department to raise awareness among doctors, chemists and the public about the dangers of illicit or misbranded pharmaceuticals.
District and sub-divisional health authorities have been directed to conduct audits of medicine inventories, verify source authenticity and destroy any stock not complying with norms. The Drug Controller’s office will maintain hotlines to register complaints, track dubious suppliers and coordinate with law enforcement agencies.
Medical associations in Uttarakhand expressed support, with many pledging to check prescriptions, verify drug packets and report suspicious products. Parents have also been advised to procure medicines only from licensed institutions and demand batch traceability.
Authorities emphasised that while cough syrups are a crucial part of respiratory treatment, only approved formulations should be used under prescription. They warned against using products from unknown sources or those lacking proper labelling.
