Cough syrup controversy: Allegations of corruption in Rajasthan

The political storm over the cough syrup tragedy deepened on Sunday as Congress launched a fierce attack on the Rajasthan government, accusing it of taking money from pharmaceutical companies and protecting them despite selling fake and unsafe medicines.

Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas alleged that the state is “committing corruption in the name of medicine” and trying to “save the companies from which it has taken money.” The party claims this is why no strong action has been taken against firms like Kaysons Pharma, even after reports of children dying after consuming their cough syrup.

The protests follow the death of 11 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to Coldrif Cough syrup. Opposition parties accuse the government of regulatory failure, negligence, and collusion with pharma firms. They also questioned how companies previously banned received a clean chit and why unsafe drugs remained on the market.

In response, Rajasthan has suspended its state drug controller, halted the distribution of Kaysons medicines, and formed an expert panel. The Union Health Ministry has issued a nationwide advisory warning against the use of cough syrups in children.