The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued notices to the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, directing them to investigate allegations of children’s deaths caused by contaminated cough syrup. The commission also instructed an immediate ban on the sale of spurious medicines in the concerned states.
Central Authorities Directed to Investigate
In addition, the NHRC has directed the Union Health Ministry, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to investigate the supply of fake drugs. The authorities must ensure that all regional laboratories collect samples of spurious medicines and submit test reports promptly.
Urgent Action Against Spurious Medicines
“The authorities are also directed to instruct all Chief Drugs Controllers in the concerned states to immediately ban the sale of spurious drugs and submit detailed reports,” the NHRC notice stated.
The commission noted that it received a complaint seeking urgent intervention following the deaths of 12 children in Madhya Pradesh and several districts of Rajasthan, allegedly after consuming contaminated cough syrup.
Cause of Death Remains Unclear
Although initial tests by the Union Health Ministry reportedly did not detect diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol—substances known to cause kidney toxicity—the exact cause of the deaths remains uncertain. The cases reportedly involve kidney failure and other complications.
Legal Basis and Directives
As reported by Hindustan Times, the NHRC Bench, presided over by Member Priyank Kanoongo, invoked the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, while taking cognisance of the matter. The Registry has been directed to issue notices to the Principal Secretaries of the Health and Family Welfare Departments. These notices will be sent to officials from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They must investigate the allegations, collect cough syrup samples for testing in regional laboratories, and immediately ban the sale of spurious medicines.
The DCGI, CDSCO, and DGHS have also been asked to oversee investigations into the supply chain of these drugs. They must ensure that regional laboratories conduct tests and submit their reports within two weeks.
Complaint Highlights Systemic Failures
The complainant emphasized that these deaths represent a serious failure in drug safety, regulation, and monitoring, constituting a violation of fundamental rights, including the right to life, health, and access to safe medicines. They requested the NHRC to form a special investigation committee. The panel should examine the entire process, from manufacturing and distribution to regulation. The committee should also investigate potential contamination with harmful chemicals. The complaint also called for an inquiry into the roles of state and central authorities responsible for quality testing and oversight. It urged timely compensation and legal support for affected families, keeping them informed throughout the process.
Preventive Measures and Legal Action
Finally, the complainant recommended strengthening drug safety, licensing, monitoring, and quality control systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future. NHRC orders probe into children’s deaths from contaminated cough syrup, bans spurious drugs, and directs labs & authorities to act urgently. “The allegations prima facie indicate serious violations of human rights,” the NHRC concluded.