The Union Health Ministry on Friday (3 October 2025) clarified that no Diathylene Glycol (DEEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) was found in the samples of phlegm syrup collected from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Both these chemicals are known for causing serious harm to the kidneys and have been associated with the deaths of children in many countries earlier. According to the ministry, the expert team formed at the national level conducted a thorough investigation of the samples and no contamination was revealed in the report.

Recently, news of the death of 11 children in Chhindwara and Rajasthan in Madhya Pradesh was revealed. The dead children were between 1 and 7 years of age and were found in symptoms like kidney infection and not urinating. After the apprehension that deaths may be associated with phlegm syrup, the Center immediately sent the National Disease Control Center (NCDC), National Institute of Virus Sciences (NIV) and Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) for investigation. The State Food and Drug Administration of Madhya Pradesh also investigated three samples independently and confirmed the absence of DEEG or EG.

CSF samples check
NIV Pune examined the blood of the dead and CSF samples. One of these cases was found to be leptospirosis positive. Water samples, insect carriers and respiratory investigation are still going on in other laboratories. This means that the cause of the death of children was not directly found, but the possibility of other reasons is being investigated. Investigation of the deaths of two children in Rajasthan revealed that propilin glycol was not present in the suspected cough syrup, which could sometimes become a source of DEEG or EG contamination. This syrup was found to be dextromethorphon-based, which is not recommended for children.

Advisory issued by DGHS
The Ministry of Health has issued advisory to states and union territories quoting Director General of Health Services (DGHS). It says that most of the cough in young children is cured on its own and children under two years of age should not be given phlegm syrup at all. It is advisable to use it carefully even in older children. The ministry said that natural measures like hydration and rest are more safe for children. States have been instructed to promote these guidelines in primary health centers, community health centers, district hospitals and medical colleges so that people can get the right information.

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After the death of 12 children after drinking phlegm syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the central government has taken a big decision. Advisory has been issued by the Health Ministry in this regard, in which children younger than two years have been advised not to mix syrup. Also, children have been told how to feed syrup.

This advice given in advisory

In the Advisory of the Health Ministry, it has been clearly stated that if the child is younger than 2 years, then the parents should not give him a cough and cold medicine at all. Do show him to the specialist doctor. These medicines are not usually given to children under 5 years of age. Give medicine to children older than 5 years when the doctor considers it necessary after examination. These children should be given very little dose. Apart from this, use the correct combination of medicines. The ministry says that firstly home remedies and without medication, try to take care of children. Take care of a lot of water, resting and good care etc. in these.

Advisory also states that every hospital, drug store and health center should ensure that it only buy safe medicines with good manufacturing practice (GP) and give to children. The Ministry has instructed the health officers of the states and districts to send these advisory to government hospitals, primary health centers (PHC), Community Health Centers (CHC), district hospitals and medical colleges.

What did you get in the syrup investigation?

Significantly, after the death of children in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the government ordered an inquiry into the syrup. After this, the joint team of National Institute of Disease Control (NCDC), National Virus Sciences (NIV) and Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) investigated. Also, samples of many cough drugs. Investigation revealed that any sample did not have dangerous chemicals such as Diathylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG). They can damage chemical kidney.

According to the report, these chemicals were not found even in the investigation of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of Madhya Pradesh. In a case related to the cases of children’s death, leptospirosis infection was found, which is currently under investigation.

Also read: Cough medicine or poison? 11 children die in Rajasthan-MP from syrup, know when poison becomes medicine

Disclaimer: This information is based on the opinion of research studies and experts. Do not consider it an alternative to medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, consult your doctor or concerned specialist.

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