When Duty Turns Dangerous: The Cough Syrup Tragedy and the Silence of Our Protectors
The recent arrest of a doctor following the tragic cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh has shaken the medical fraternity. Beyond the immediate outrage, it exposes the failure of our protective institutions, the silence of our associations, and the forgotten duty of medical councils to defend those who serve in good faith.
A Tragedy that Shook the Nation
Several children lost their lives after consuming a contaminated cough syrup, which laboratory tests later revealed contained high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical known to cause acute kidney failure and death.
While the manufacturer and distributor are being investigated, the arrest of the prescribing physician — who had prescribed a commonly used, government-approved syrup — has deeply disturbed the medical community.
Can a doctor realistically be expected to verify the chemical integrity of every licensed medicine? Clearly not. Yet, instead of focusing on regulatory and manufacturing lapses, the authorities chose to criminalize a practitioner who acted in good faith — turning a systemic failure into a personal tragedy.
The Profession’s Growing Anguish
Across India, doctors are disillusioned and anxious. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the arrest, but the response — limited to press statements — has failed to reassure the profession.
In hospital corridors and professional forums, one question echoes: Who will protect us when we act responsibly and ethically?
The white coat, once a symbol of respect, is increasingly viewed with suspicion. Doctors now practice defensively, fearing that an honest decision could lead to harassment, arrest, or vilification. Such fear not only damages morale but ultimately compromises patient care.
The Silent Councils
In such moments, the medical profession looks to its statutory guardian — the Medical Council.
Beyond registering doctors or investigating misconduct, the Council carries an equally vital duty: to protect practitioners from unjust persecution and to uphold the dignity of medical practice.
Sadly, most medical councils — national and state — have failed to fulfill this responsibility. Elections are often treated as procedural exercises. Many elected or nominated members remain unaware that their foremost obligation is to defend the very doctors who entrust them with that mandate.
Had the concerned councils or associations intervened decisively in this case — demanding accountability from drug regulators and standing by the doctor — it would have restored confidence and shown that the profession stands united against injustice.
The Need for Institutional Backbone
The silence of professional bodies during crises weakens the entire medical community. Press releases do not inspire confidence; only coordinated, consistent action can.
Every medical association and council must urgently establish:
• Rapid-response legal and advocacy cells to support doctors facing unjust action.
• Media and public engagement teams to communicate facts and counter sensationalism.
• Mandatory orientation programmes for elected members on their ethical and statutory duties toward the profession.
The integrity of healthcare depends on balance — protecting patients without persecuting those who treat them.
The Way Forward
The medical councils of tomorrow must be ethical, independent, transparent, and fearless.
Their representatives should pledge to:
• Defend doctors acting in good faith.
• Advocate legal reforms that prevent criminalization of professional decisions.
• Demand accountability from manufacturers and regulators.
• Rebuild trust through transparent and proactive leadership.
Doctors, too, must take responsibility for electing such representatives. Voting in council elections is not ceremonial — it is our only democratic safeguard. We must choose leaders who will act as crusaders for justice, not silent spectators.
The cough syrup tragedy is a painful reminder of how easily systemic failures can turn doctors into scapegoats. While the deaths of children must be investigated and justice ensured, punishing a doctor who prescribed an approved medicine is neither fair nor rational — it is misdirected anger.
When a doctor performing his duty in good faith is arrested, the entire profession stands accused.
A medical council that cannot defend its members in their hour of need has lost its moral compass.
It is time to rebuild a reliable, ethical, and protective Medical Council that safeguards both doctors and the dignity of medical practice. The profession — and society — deserves nothing less.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
