New Delhi: In the past, 141 children have died due to cough syrup worldwide. Keeping this in mind, the Centre has taken a tough decision. The Drug Controller General of India on Thursday banned the use of cough medicines in children below the age of four.
The Central Drugs Regulatory Agency has said that there is a concern about unauthorized cough syrups. Following a discussion on the issue, a ban has been issued on the use of cough medicines in children under four years of age. At least 141 people have died since 2019 in Zambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon, taking into account infant deaths.
At least 12 children died in 2019 after consuming homemade cough syrups, the central drug regulator said. Four children became physically disabled due to poisoning. India is called the “pharmacy of the world” due to its supply of life-saving medicines at low prices. However, there have been allegations in the last few years about children’s medicines.
