The Gujarat government has cracked down on two pharmaceutical companies after multiple cough syrup samples manufactured in the state were found to be “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ).
16 children died from kidney failure in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to toxic cough syrups.
Alarming reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan raised concerns about drug safety and regulatory vigilance.
Investigations by the Gujarat Food and Drug Department revealed that two Gujarat-made syrups, Re-Life and Respifresh TR, are “Not of Standard Quality.”
Both syrups were manufactured in Gujarat Re-Life by M/s Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in Surendranagar’s Muli taluka, and Respifresh TR by M/s Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. in Ahmedabad’s Bavla taluka.
Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel confirmed the sweeping action, stating, “The Gujarat government will ensure that not a single unsafe bottle remains in circulation. FDCA officials have been directed to monitor the process till the last bottle is withdrawn.”
The Food and Drug Control Authority (FDCA) has imposed a blanket ban on the sale, supply, and distribution of both syrups. Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers are now under strict watch, with Assistant Commissioners tasked to oversee the recall and submit daily progress reports to the Joint Commissioner (Drugs).
To prevent further risk, the government has also ordered a comprehensive probe into all cough syrup producers in Gujarat.
There are currently 624 licensed oral liquid manufacturers operating across the state, many of whom supply products both domestically and nationally.
Between October 3 and 5, the FDCA, in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), conducted risk-based joint inspections of Shape Pharma and Rednex Pharmaceuticals.
During the operation, 14 additional syrup samples, three from Shape and eleven from Rednex, were seized and sent to government laboratories for detailed chemical analysis.
Action will follow once test results are confirmed.
Minister Patel stressed that the state’s priority is public health and patient safety, asserting that the FDCA has issued strict instructions to all district drug commissioners to conduct intense inspections of every oral liquid and cough syrup unit in their jurisdiction.
He added, “The Gujarat government will leave no loophole when it comes to the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines. Every firm in violation will face decisive action.”
