A tragic case has come to light in Rajasthan, where a 5-year-old boy from Sikar district died and several people in Bharatpur district fell ill after consuming cough syrup distributed under the state's free medicine scheme. Following the incidents, the government has banned all batches of the syrup and launched an urgent investigation.
Child Dies in Sikar
The victim, Nityansh (5), son of Mukesh Sharma from Khori Brahmanan village in Sikar, was prescribed the cough syrup last Sunday at the Community Health Center (CHC), Chirana. After taking the syrup, his health worsened overnight. He was declared dead by doctors on Monday morning.
The child's family refused a post-mortem examination and took the body home after completing legal formalities, police confirmed.
Doctor and Ambulance Drivers Also Affected in Bharatpur
In Bharatpur's Bayana area, a three-year-old child was hospitalized in critical condition after consuming the same syrup. He collapsed shortly after drinking it, with his heartbeat rising abnormally.
Shockingly, when the CHC in-charge doctor and two ambulance drivers tested the syrup themselves, they also fell ill and required hospitalization.
Government Acts Immediately
The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) has banned all 19 batches of the cough syrup across the state. Supplies have been withdrawn from hospitals and health centers, and samples sent for laboratory testing. Patients who consumed the syrup reported symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, restlessness, and deep sleep.
Health Minister Orders Probe
State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar directed the RMSCL to investigate the matter and take strict action. Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore informed that the concerned Drug Control Officer has been directed to take a sample of the batch of the medicine and send it for testing to determine the exact cause.
