Cough Syrups Strictly Prohibited for Children Under 2 Years of Age

Raipur, October 6

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has issued an important advisory, giving clear instructions that children under the age of two years should not be given any kind of cough syrup or cold and flu medications. Additionally, these medicines are generally not recommended for children under five years of age. This step has been taken with the objective of protecting infants from potential side effects and ensuring their health safety.
Following the issuance of the advisory, the Chhattisgarh Health Department took prompt action, issuing necessary instructions to all District Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHO) and Civil Surgeons. All government and private healthcare institutions have been directed to strictly ensure compliance with this guideline from the Government of India.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Health Services held a high-level video conference in this regard, giving strict instructions to all district-level departmental officers that the use of cough or cold medicines must be based only on medical consultation, and no kind of negligence should be tolerated in this matter.
According to experts, common illnesses like cough and cold in children resolve on their own in most cases, and administering medication is unnecessary. Therefore, the general public will also be educated about not giving medicines to children without a doctor’s advice.
Drug Supply System Under Strict Vigilance
According to information received from the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC), the two companies against which action was taken in other states have not had any official government supply in Chhattisgarh. These companies are also not registered in the CGMSC database. This fact confirms the transparency and alertness of the government-level supply chain in the state.
Inspection of Manufacturing Units and Private Pharmacies Intensified
Following the video conference held by the Health Secretary of the Government of India on October 5, the Food and Drug Administration Department in Chhattisgarh has also intensified monitoring and action. Teams of drug inspectors have been formed across the state to conduct Risk-Based Inspection of drug manufacturing units.
A letter has been issued to all Assistant Drug Controllers and Drug Inspectors in the state, directing them to immediately inspect all drug retail establishments to eliminate any possibility of advisory violations. Along with this, surprise inspections of private pharmacies are also being conducted. The main objective of these actions is to ensure that the inappropriate or careless use of any medication concerning children is completely stopped. Health Department officials have requested parents not to give any medicine to their children without medical consultation.
Would you like to know more about the specific risks associated with giving cough syrups to young children?