Jaipur – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged protests in Jaipur on Saturday outside the premises of Kaysons Pharma, demanding immediate closure of the company following the deaths of two children who allegedly consumed its cough syrup. Several other children remain hospitalized in critical condition.
AAP leader Amit Dadhich accused the company of gross negligence and called for strict government action. “When even a doctor who consumed the same syrup fainted and had to be admitted to hospital, how can the government allow such products to reach the public?” he said. He further condemned the administration for enabling the sale of what he described as “fake medicines,” calling it a grave injustice to the country.
“If this company is not shut down, we will take to the streets and protest,” Dadhich warned, denouncing the government’s inaction as “dictatorial.”
Another AAP worker, Ashutosh Ranka, questioned how the company, which was reportedly shut down two years ago, was still distributing medicine. “How did they receive a clean chit? I challenge the government to publicly consume the same medicines if they believe they are safe,” he said, calling for resignations of those responsible if no action is taken within 48 hours.
The controversy has gained national attention, with reports of similar incidents emerging from Madhya Pradesh. Eleven children have died in Chhindwara district after allegedly consuming the same Coldrif cough syrup.
In response, the Rajasthan government has suspended State Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma and halted the distribution of all 19 medicines produced by Kaysons Pharma. The medicines had been distributed under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme.
According to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited, out of over 10,000 samples tested since 2012, 42 products from Kaysons Pharma were found to be substandard. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has issued a nationwide advisory on the cautious use of cough syrups in children. The advisory emphasizes that such syrups are generally not recommended for children under five, and usage above that age should be strictly monitored by healthcare professionals.
A multidisciplinary team from the Centre is analyzing samples and other factors to determine the exact cause of the child deaths reported in both states. The government is also considering mandatory warning labels on potentially harmful drugs, pending the investigation’s outcome.
