Story perspectives

DCGI Orders Monitoring After 20 Child Deaths Linked to Cough Syrup

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) ordered monitoring on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) after alleged deaths of over 20 children from cough syrup contaminated with Diethylene glycol (DEG) in Madhya Pradesh.
Diethylene glycol (DEG) has been linked to acute kidney failures, prompting testing before market release.
Critics call the response reactive, citing systemic failures and urging reforms to protect safety and rebuild trust in India's pharma sector.

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Story summary

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) ordered monitoring on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) after alleged deaths of over 20 children from cough syrup contaminated with Diethylene glycol (DEG) in Madhya Pradesh.
Diethylene glycol (DEG) has been linked to acute kidney failures, prompting testing before market release.
Critics call the response reactive, citing systemic failures and urging reforms to protect safety and rebuild trust in India's pharma sector.