The Uttarakhand government has placed children’s paracetamol syrup under strict surveillance and ordered inspections across the state. Medical stores have been instructed not to sell the syrup for children below four years of age without a doctor’s prescription. The move comes amid heightened vigilance over the safety and misuse of paediatric medications.
Statewide Monitoring and Sample Collection
According to Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner and Drug Controller of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all districts have been directed to closely monitor the sale of paracetamol syrup for children under four years. Drug inspectors have been asked to collect samples from medical outlets and maintain detailed records of their findings.
Jaggi added that reports from cough syrup samples collected across the state have already started coming in. Of the eight samples tested so far, none have failed quality checks, indicating that no contamination or substandard formulation has been detected to date.
Strict Action Against Prescription Violations
Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat on Sunday reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure full compliance with prescription norms. He stated that strict action would be taken against any medical store found dispensing medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
Dr. Rawat also confirmed that FDA officials have been given clear instructions to enforce these rules without exception. He emphasized that, in addition to monitoring banned children’s cough syrups, the department would also inspect other medicines to ensure that all drugs sold in the market adhere to state and national safety standards.
Strengthening Drug Safety and Public Trust
The Uttarakhand government’s latest directive reflects its proactive approach to safeguarding children’s health and strengthening drug safety mechanisms. By tightening surveillance, enforcing prescription norms, and expanding quality checks, the state aims to prevent misuse, ensure compliance, and protect young patients from potential risks associated with unsupervised medication use.
As reported by TOI, this coordinated action underscores the administration’s broader commitment to public health accountability and reinforces the importance of responsible dispensing practices across pharmacies and healthcare institutions.