Hyderabad: Telangana issued an urgent health alert after reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked Coldrif cough syrup to 14 child deaths. The Health Department moved into emergency mode with a clear message for parents and healthcare providers: act fast, avoid risks, and report stock immediately.
Telangana steps up recall and safety checks
The state’s first priority is infant safety. Authorities advised parents to avoid all cough and cold syrups for children under two years. For a minor cough, doctors suggested starting with home remedies—fluids, rest, and simple care. They also directed medical professionals to prescribe syrups only when essential and to choose GMP-compliant products from verified sources.
The recall focuses on batch SR-13 (manufactured May 2025, expiry April 2027), suspected to contain diethylene glycol. Therefore, pharmacies must remove SR-13 bottles from shelves, separate them from other stock, and hand invoices to drug inspectors. District Drug Control teams are visiting outlets, verifying compliance, and arranging safe collection points across all districts.
Parents, hospitals, and clinics told to stay alert
Meanwhile, the government urged parents to stop using Coldrif cough syrup if it belongs to batch SR-13. Warning signs such as breathing trouble, persistent fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or poor feeding require immediate medical attention. Parents should never self-medicate infants with over-the-counter syrups.
Furthermore, hospitals and clinics must report any suspected reactions through pharmacovigilance cells. The Health Department is also preparing multilingual advisories so that every household can understand the recall steps and under-two warning. Public and private facilities will display these notices prominently to raise awareness.
For direct assistance, citizens can contact the toll-free helpline 1800-599-6969 to report SR-13 stock, suspicious sales, or symptoms. Officials said the steps are precautionary but urgent. Therefore, full cooperation and quick reporting will help prevent further harm.
In conclusion, Telangana’s strategy blends recall logistics, medical guidance, and public outreach. With inspectors active and citizens aware, the state aims to cut exposure swiftly and protect infants and toddlers from potential risk.
