The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has given top priority to the safety of children and has initiated strict action against illegal, unsafe, and substandard cough syrups across the state. Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) teams are active in every district of the state. Launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, this campaign has emerged as the most comprehensive action yet. Under the supervision of Health Secretary and Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar and Additional Commissioner and Drug Controller Tajbar Singh Jaggi, surprise inspections are underway on drug dealers, wholesale suppliers, and medical stores across the state.
*Largest raid in Dehradun*
The FDA team conducted a large-scale raid in Dehradun today. On the instructions of the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, the team, led by Drug Inspector Manendra Singh Rana, conducted surprise inspections of medical stores in Chakrata Road, Kishan Nagar Chowk, Ballupur Chowk, Kanwali Road, Ballipur Chowk, and Prem Nagar areas. The inspection immediately halted the sale and purchase of cough and cold medicines for children. Shops stocking these medicines were sealed on the spot. Sellers were instructed not to sell them until further notice. During the inspection, it was also discovered that several sellers had already removed these medicines from their shops on their own initiative. The team collected samples of 11 syrups for testing on the spot. Syrups like Coldrif, Respifresh-TR, and Relife were found unavailable in any medical store.
*40 samples sent for testing in Udham Singh Nagar*
As part of the crackdown on cough syrups manufactured for children in the state, the Drug Department team has intensified its campaign in Udham Singh Nagar district. Under the leadership of Senior Drug Inspector Neeraj Kumar and Drug Inspector Nidhi Sharma, a total of 10 pediatric cough syrup samples were collected from various areas of the district for testing. Ingredients such as Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylepherine Hydrochloride have been found in these syrups. So far, a total of 40 cough syrup samples have been collected from the district in Form-17 and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
*Strict action taken in Haridwar and Roorkee as well, 15 samples sent for testing*
In this sequence, the Drug Department has intensified its campaign in Haridwar district as well. On the instructions of the Additional Commissioner, a total of 15 cough syrup samples were collected for testing from Aeron Hospital in Roorkee, Vinay Vishal Hospital, and Metro Hospital in Haridwar. During this action, led by Drug Inspector Anita Bharti, the samples collected from the respective establishments were sent for analysis. According to departmental data, a total of 39 samples have been collected for testing from Haridwar district so far.
*Samples taken from Government Hospital in Haldwani*
FDA action also continued in Haldwani, Nainital district. Three cough syrup samples were taken for testing from the drug store at Soban Singh Jeena Base Hospital. All samples have been sent to the Drug Analysis Laboratory, Dehradun, for quality testing.
*Stock of ‘Respifresh TR’ syrup seized in Kotdwar*
The FDA team conducted raids in Kotdwar, Pauri district, starting last night and continuing today. During the raid, stocks of Respifresh TR cough syrup, declared lethal, were seized from several medical stores. The team also collected three new samples from various establishments for testing today.
*Strict action also taken in Chaukhutia-Chandikhet*
The FDA team raided six medical stores in Chaukhutia and Chandikhet, Almora district, today. During the inspection, 12 bottles of Respifresh TR syrup (Batch No. R01GL2523) were seized. This syrup has already been declared NSQ (Non-Suitable Quality). The team collected four cough syrup samples for testing.
*Four samples collected in Rudraprayag, sent for testing*
A team of drug inspectors inspected retail and wholesale establishments in the Tilwara area of Rudraprayag district and collected four samples of cough syrup. The quality testing process for the drugs has been initiated.
*Four syrups banned in Uttarkashi*
Raids were conducted in Uttarkashi district under the leadership of Drug Inspector Mohammad Tajim. The team collected samples of four types of cough syrups used for children and sent them to a laboratory in Dehradun. The drug inspector warned all medical store operators not to stock or sell the following syrups under any circumstances: Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup (KL-25/148), Coldrif (SR-13), Respifresh TR (R01GL2523), and Relife (LSL25160). Instructions were also issued that cough syrups should not be given to children under 5 years of age and that adults should only be given medicines on the advice of a doctor.
*148 samples sent for testing so far*
During the ongoing raids across the state, 148 samples have been sent for testing. Additionally, 11 samples were collected today in Dehradun, 3 in Kotdwar, 3 in Haldwani, 4 in Almora, 4 in Rudraprayag, and 4 in Uttarkashi. During the campaign, notices were issued to dozens of establishments, and suspicious stock was seized and sealed at several locations.
*Statement by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami*
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said there will be no compromise on children’s health. Our government is strict against anyone who attempts to jeopardize the lives of children. Any negligence regarding the quality and safety of medicines will be tolerated.