Cough syrup deaths: Kerala bars all medicines for children under 12 without prescription

In view of the death of children suspected to be due to Coldrif cough syrup, state health department decided to conduct a study on the use of medicine by children.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala health authorities have directed that pediatric medicine for children below the age of 12 in the state will be given only with fresh prescription by a recognised doctor.

In view of the death of children suspected to be due to Coldrif cough syrup, the state health department also decided to conduct a study on the use of medicine for coughing by children.

"Based on the study by a three-member expert panel the state will bring out guidelines for use of medicines for cough in children," health minister Veena George said after a high-level meeting with health officials.

She said that the drugs control authority would issue a directive not to issue pediatric drugs without prescriptions. Old prescriptions will not be allowed. Awareness about the use of pediatric drugs will also be carried out, she said.

In Kerala so far no issue pertaining to use of cough syrups by children have been reported. Already the sale of Coldrif was banned in the state. SR-13 batch of Coldrif, which was found to have triggered the concerns, was not found to be sold in Kerala.