In this image published on October 6, 2025, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav meets the families of children who died of kidney failure due to consumption of cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district. Photo: @cmmadhyapradesh/x via PTI Photos
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said 20 children had died and five were being treated for kidney failure after drinking contaminated cough syrup.
Of the 20 children, 17 are from Chhindwara district, two from Betul and one from Pandhurna.
“The older child has recovered, but two children have died and one child died last night (Monday). 17 children have died,” Mr Shukla said after visiting a hospital in Nagpur.
“Two children are admitted here (Nagpur government medical college), two at AIIMS and one at a private hospital. (Chief Minister) Mohan Yadavji’s government has made all arrangements to ensure that no problem arises during treatment.”
After suffering from heat and cold, the children consumed ‘Cold Leaf’ syrup, which resulted in vomiting and urinating problems. The first death was reported on September 2. The syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.
Earlier this month, drug control authorities in Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh called for a ban on the sale of the syrup as it contains more than 45% Diethylene Glycol, a chemical that causes serious health problems.
Madhya Pradesh police also arrested Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician from Chhindwara, who prescribed the drug to many children (who later died), booked the manufacturer and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
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Treatment funding status
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state government would bear the cost of treatment of children currently hospitalized in Nagpur.
“The Chhindwara Collector has constituted three teams to assist the children undergoing treatment in Nagpur on the directions of the Chief Minister,” a government statement said.
doctor’s demonstration
After the pediatrician’s arrest occurred, several doctors protested in Parasia and the district unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) went on an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate release of Dr Soni.
A delegation of doctors also submitted a memorandum to the Chhindwara Additional Collector. “They are demanding his release but the administration has not given them any assurance. Action has been taken by the police based on facts. If there is any issue, they can approach the court,” he said.
speaking HinduismDr Ankur Batra, a general surgeon and IMA Parasia deputy secretary, said the allegations against Dr Soni were false and the government “did not actually take responsibility for the tragedy”.
“He is not a criminal, he is a senior doctor. He should not be treated this way. Action against the manufacturers of the drug and those who approved it for use prescribed it,” said Dr. Batra.
“We demand that he be released immediately and the investigation can continue as usual. It will be an indefinite strike until he is released,” he added.
He said members of the Dental Association, Pharmaceutical Association and other local organizations also participated in the protest. A quiet vigil will be held on Wednesday (8 October).
post -It is October 7, 2025 at 10:07 PM
