NewsStocksTamil Nadu Revokes Sresan Pharmaceutical's License, ED Raids Premises Over Deadly Cough SyrupTamil Nadu Revokes Sresan Pharmaceutical's License, ED Raids Premises Over Deadly Cough Syrup
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided seven premises in Chennai connected to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup. This action follows the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly due to the medication. The Tamil Nadu government has revoked Sresan's manufacturing license after finding the syrup contained 48.60% Diethylene Glycol, a toxic substance. The company's owner, G Ranganathan, has been arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police. The case has prompted broader inspections of drug manufacturers in Tamil Nadu.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids on seven premises in Chennai linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup. This action comes in the wake of at least 22 children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly connected to the use of this medication.
Key Developments
- ED Raids: Seven premises in Chennai associated with Sresan Pharmaceuticals were raided under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- Collaborative Effort: Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration officials participated in the raids.
- Company Background: Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, received its license in 2011, which was renewed in 2016.
- Operational Issues: The company operated for over a decade despite poor infrastructure and multiple drug safety violations.
- License Revocation: The Tamil Nadu government has completely revoked Sresan Pharmaceutical's manufacturing license and ordered the company to shut down.
- Adulterated Product: The company produced adulterated cough syrup Coldrif containing 48.60% Diethylene Glycol, a toxic substance linked to children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh.
- Violations: State Drug Control Department officials found the company lacked proper manufacturing and laboratory practices, recording over 300 critical and major violations.
Coldrif Cough Syrup Analysis
| Authority | Diethylene Glycol Content |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 48.60% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 46.00% |
Legal Action
- Arrest: G Ranganathan, the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police.
This case highlights the critical importance of stringent quality control and regulatory oversight in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The presence of high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic substance, in a medication intended for children underscores the potential risks associated with lapses in drug safety protocols.
The involvement of multiple state authorities and central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate indicates the seriousness of the investigation. As the case unfolds, it may lead to broader discussions about pharmaceutical regulations and the need for more frequent and thorough inspections of manufacturing facilities, especially those producing medications for vulnerable populations like children.
In response to this incident, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered detailed inspections of other drug manufacturing companies in the state to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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