In a significant and urgent public health move, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has issued a directive banning the purchase, use, distribution, and utilization of Coldrif Cough Syrup, following reports of child fatalities linked to its consumption.
🔍 Background
The action stems from alarming reports of pediatric deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where children allegedly died after consuming Coldrif Cough Syrup, manufactured by M/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals, located at Bangalore Highways, Sunguvarchatram (Mathura), Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu – 612106.
Both states have already prohibited the sale and distribution of the syrup. The ESIC directive brings this prohibition to all ESIC hospitals, dispensaries, and associated institutions across India.
⚠️ Key Directives from ESIC Notification
- Complete Ban:
All ESIC facilities are directed to immediately stop the purchase, issuance, distribution, and utilization of Coldrif Cough Syrup from the said manufacturer. - Immediate Withdrawal:
Any stock already issued or purchased must be recalled or withdrawn without delay. - Return of Stock:
All existing stock must be returned to the original procurement entity and the same must be reported to:
📧 dmc-rc.hqrs@esic.nic.in - Responsibility of Heads of Institutions:
It will be the sole responsibility of the Head of the Institution to ensure strict and timely compliance with the instructions.
The notification emphasizes that these instructions are being issued with the approval of the Medical Commissioner (Procurement) and must be treated as mandatory.
🩺 Wider Context: MoH&FW Advisory on Cough Syrups
This move comes in the backdrop of growing national and international concerns regarding contamination or misuse of pediatric cough syrups, especially after multiple alerts in recent years about toxicity due to harmful substances like diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol found in certain syrups.
The MoH&FW advisory dated 03.10.2025 had already called for rational use of cough syrups in children, particularly cautioning against indiscriminate prescription and use.
📢 Call to Action for ESIC Facilities
All ESIC institutions must take immediate action to:
- Review inventory and identify Coldrif syrup stock
- Cease any patient use or further distribution
- Initiate withdrawal and return process
- Inform the ESIC Headquarters of compliance
Non-compliance may lead to serious administrative consequences, given the risk to patient safety and the critical nature of the directive.
🚨 Conclusion
The ESIC’s ban on Coldrif Cough Syrup is a preventive and protective measure in response to grave public health concerns. As investigations continue, the focus remains on patient safety, especially among children, who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from improperly formulated medicines.
Healthcare providers and institutions are urged to act swiftly and ensure no further use or exposure to the said product.