6 Children Die in MP's Chhindwara; Cough Syrup Ban Imposed
Six children in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district have died due to kidney-related complications, raising concerns about the safety of cough syrups. The deaths occurred between September 4 and September 26, 2025, with cough syrups found in the children's homes. District Collector Sheelendra Singh has banned the use of Coldrif and Nextro-DS syrups in the district pending lab reports.
The children initially suffered from cough, cold, and fever before their conditions worsened. Experts warn against giving cough syrups to children under 6 due to potential dangerous side effects, especially in case of overdose. Combination medicines were banned years ago, yet parents still buy cough syrups over the counter. Samples have been sent to labs, but reports are pending. In response, a 10-bed ward has been set up in Chhindwara for affected children. Natural remedies like warm honey water, ginger tulsi tea, steam inhalation, turmeric milk, and saline drops are safer alternatives to cough syrups for children. To strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses, include fruits rich in Vitamin C, warm soups, protein-rich foods, and spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper in the diet. Avoid cold drinks, ice creams, oily or fried foods, and processed foods high in preservatives to boost immunity.
The cause of the children's deaths is still under investigation. Parents are advised to be cautious when giving cough syrups to young children and to consider safer alternatives. The ban on combination medicines should be strictly enforced to prevent such tragedies in the future. The district administration is taking steps to ensure the safety of the children, with a dedicated ward set up for affected cases. Further updates are awaited from the lab reports.
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