Bhubaneswar Health Update – Odisha Advisory on Cough Syrup Use 2025

 Introduction 

Bhubaneswar, October 2, 2025: There were reports on the recent death of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan which were allegedly related to the cough syrup intake. But, investigations carried out in the lab have proved that these syrups did not include dangerous chemicals. Nevertheless, the Central Health Ministry has given an advisory to all states and union territories advising people to be cautious and limit cough syrup use to children.

Key Updates / Highlights

In Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh 9 children were reported dead after taking cough syrup.

Similar deaths were reported in 2 in Rajasthan.

Lab tests were done to confirm that samples did not contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) that are harmful to kidneys.

the advisory of the Health Ministry states:

Cough syrup should not be administered to children below 2 years at all.

In children below the age of 5 years of age, cough syrups are not advised in most cases.

The local administration temporarily banned the sale of the Coldrif and Nesto DS syrups.

Later official laboratory tests revealed that these syrups actually did not include dangerous components.

Additional Information / Background.

According to health experts, cough syrup may have been the cause of kidney damage other than other factors. Outlets such as National Center of Disease Control, National Institute of Virology, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, and other bodies tested the samples of syrup and verified their safety.

Nevertheless, the government is laying special emphasis on the controlled use of cough syrups in children, and the discouragement of self-prescription of cough syrups without doctoral consultation. The aim of this step is to avoid the unnecessary risks of child health.

Conclusion

The advisory is a major milestone towards the health of children in India. Doctors and parents in Odisha are also warned to be careful and do not give cough syrup to the children without supervision. To get updated on the most recent health news and Odisha news visit our blog and post this information on social media.