MP Cough Syrup Deaths: IMA slams Paediatrician's arrest as unfair

What came as even more shocking was that after his arrest, the doctor confessed he had been prescribing the same cough syrup for the past 15 years to children suffering from cough and fever, completely unaware that it was contaminated. He said he could never have imagined that the syrup could be unsafe.

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The Coldrif cough syrup in question was manufactured by Sresun Pharmaceuticals. During a government quality check, it was found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG) far beyond the permissible limit, which is - 48.6%. DEG is an industrial chemical known to cause kidney failure and death.

Subsequently, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended the cancellation of the manufacturing license based on the inspection findings. Similarly, Tamil Nadu FDA  has taken regulatory action on the medicine manufacturing unit located in Kancheepuram. 

The case came to light after Dr Ankit Sahlam, Block Medical Officer of Parasia CHC, filed a complaint stating that several children under five who were treated for fever and cough by Dr Soni later showed symptoms of acute kidney failure. According to the FIR, all affected children were prescribed a locally available Coldrif cough syrup, later confirmed to be contaminated.

“After taking the prescribed medicine, many children developed urine retention, and medical tests revealed high levels of serum creatinine and urea, indicating kidney failure,” the complaint stated.

The complainant further alleged that Dr Soni knowingly gave a dangerous and adulterated drug to small children, which was capable of causing death.

Following this, the Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale of the syrup across the state based on the laboratory test findings, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered Dr Soni's immediate suspension for negligence in treatment following these deaths.

The order issued by the Commissioner of Public Health and Medical Education, Tarun Rathi, stated the reason as “serious negligence in treating infants during private practice and failure to discharge official duties with full integrity”.

Dr Ritesh Agarwal, Director of Colours Hospital, told ANI that the main cause of kidney failure in these children has not yet been identified. He added that one of the critically ill children had a fever for 2–3 days, followed by an inability to pass urine for 24 hours. Tests revealed severe kidney swelling and elevated creatinine and urea levels, and despite treatment, the child’s kidneys were still not functioning properly.

Dr Soni's defence

Defending himself, Dr Soni told the Indian Express that the deaths could not be linked to a single cause and that he had treated children showing symptoms of viral infections and high-grade fever, which can also lead to kidney damage.

"It was a mixed pattern; there were multiple causes, which I thought went from viral infections to high-grade fevers, which caused kidney damage. One could not imagine that the drugs would be toxic. Why would anyone prescribe it (if it is known it was toxic)?" he said. 

Dr Soni explained that the anti-cold syrup was commonly prescribed for seasonal illnesses and that he had been using the same brand for nearly 15 years without issues.

He further said, “Have all the patients been prescribed the same medication? It is wrong to say that. An anti-cold syrup and other medications are provided for seasonal colds. It is difficult to say how many syrups I have prescribed to patients, but I have been prescribing this cough syrup for the past 15 years.”

He also pointed out that he was not the only doctor who prescribed the medicine. Speaking to India Today TV, he said that doctors receive ready-to-use medicines from pharmaceutical companies and have no control over their formulation.

"This syrup is not a one-day treatment. I have been prescribing medicines from this company for over ten years. It's wrong to suggest that a primary doctor decides on the formulation. We receive ready-to-use, sealed medicines," he said.

"My prescriptions often included combinations from multiple pharmaceutical companies, and I have temporarily stopped seeing infants at his clinic on the advice of health authorities. I have treated over 100 children recently, and no medical shop has issued any notice instructing closure," he added.  

Doctor made a scapegoat? 

The arrest of Dr Praveen Soni has sparked strong reactions within the medical community, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) questioning whether he is being made a scapegoat in the case.

The association argued that Dr Soni had followed standard treatment protocols and is being singled out for responsibility. The association said that it was unfair to place the entire blame on him when the pharmaceutical company responsible for manufacturing the cough syrup was given a clean chit by the government. 

The IMA plans to take up the matter with the Union Health Ministry with determination to push for Dr Soni's release, as per India Today media report. 

To identify the extent of the supply chain, a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted in this regard. 

“A police team is being sent to Tamil Nadu to investigate the company officials. We are verifying its current licences, distribution network, and the role of its directors,” said Superintendent of Police Ajay Pandey.

Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vikas Kumar Yadav said, "594 bottles of the contaminated cough syrup had been supplied to Chhindwara district. We have traced most of the stock to Parasia. However, some chemist shops that sold the syrup without proper prescriptions are proving difficult to locate. The Drug Inspector has identified three main stock points from where the seized bottles were distributed."