Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has taken major steps to protect children’s health by launching a strong campaign against unsafe and low-quality cough syrups being sold in the market. These actions have been taken after reports of harmful syrups being found in different parts of the country and abroad.
This statewide campaign is being led by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA), under the supervision of Health Secretary and Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar and Drug Controller Tajbar Singh Jaggi. The campaign focuses on identifying and removing illegal, substandard, and suspicious cough syrups, especially those being sold for children.
Major raid in Dehradun
One of the biggest actions took place in Dehradun, where the FDA team, led by Drug Inspector Manendra Singh Rana, conducted surprise raids on multiple medical stores in areas like Chakrata Road, Kishan Nagar Chowk, Ballupur Chowk, Kanwali Road, and Prem Nagar.
During the raids, the sale of children’s cough and cold syrups was immediately stopped at several stores. Suspicious stocks were seized and some stores were sealed on the spot. Many sellers, sensing the upcoming inspections, had already removed these syrups from their shelves.
11 syrup samples were taken for testing in Dehradun
From Dehradun alone, 11 syrup samples were taken for testing. Syrups like Coldrif, Respifresh-TR, and Relife, which have raised concern, were not found in any stores during the inspections. Still, the teams remained alert and collected whatever they found for lab testing. So far, 7 medical stores in Dehradun have had their licenses cancelled due to violations.
Statewide sample collection reaches 170
Across Uttarakhand, 170 syrup samples have been collected for laboratory testing. The breakdown includes:
40 samples from Udham Singh Nagar, collected by Drug Inspectors Neeraj Kumar and Nidhi Sharma.
15 samples from Haridwar and Roorkee, taken from hospitals like Aeron Hospital, Vinay Vishal Hospital, and Metro Hospital.
3 samples from Soban Singh Jeena Base Hospital in Haldwani.
3 more samples from Kotdwar, where the dangerous Respifresh TR syrup was found and seized.
4 samples from Almora (Chaukhutia and Chandikhet), where 12 bottles of Respifresh TR (Batch No. R01GL2523) were confiscated.
4 samples from Rudraprayag, collected from the Tilwara area.
4 samples from Uttarkashi, where four syrups were officially banned, including Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (KL-25/148), Coldrif (SR-13), Respifresh TR (R01GL2523), and Relife (LSL25160).
Special focus on children’s safety
This campaign has a special focus on protecting children under 5 years of age, who are often the most affected by unsafe syrups. Drug inspectors have instructed all medical stores not to sell banned or suspicious syrups, especially to children, and to only give medicines on a doctor’s prescription.
Stores have also been warned not to keep stock of these syrups. Legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the rules after lab results are released.
No compromise on children’s health
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami made a strong statement by saying, “There will be no compromise on children’s health. Strict action will be taken against anyone who puts children’s lives at risk. Our government is fully committed to public health and child safety.” While Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said, “This action by the FDA is a clear message to everyone. Only certified and safe medicines should be given to children. The public is also requested not to give any medicine to children without consulting a doctor.”
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar confirmed, “FDA teams are working across all districts. Once the lab reports are received, strict legal action will follow. Medical stores have been told to remove any suspicious medicines immediately.”
Public appeal by FDA
The FDA has also issued an appeal to the public. If anyone finds banned or suspicious cough syrups being sold at a medical store, they should immediately inform their local Drug Inspector or the FDA office. Once lab reports are received, the government is ready to take strict steps, including cancelling store licenses, imposing heavy fines, and even legal prosecution of those found guilty of selling harmful medicines.