DEHRADUN: Following widespread concerns and deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups in several states, the Uttarakhand Health Department has launched an intensive crackdown, leading to the immediate suspension of licenses for seven medical stores in Dehradun.
The aggressive action underscores the state government's commitment to child safety. A spokesperson for the Health Department confirmed the drive, stating, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has made the safety of our children the absolute highest priority. A massive, state-wide operation against illegal and unsafe cough syrups is now underway."
Teams from the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) have been mobilised across all districts. In Dehradun, surprise inspections targeted pharmacies along key areas including Chakrata Road, Kishan Nagar Chowk, Ballupur Chowk, Kanwali Road, Balliwala Chowk, and Prem Nagar.
During these checks, the sale of all cough and cold medications intended for children was instantly halted.
"Seven medical store licenses have been cancelled, and suspicious syrups have been seized and sent for urgent laboratory testing," an official source indicated.
The vigilance extends beyond the capital. Department sources revealed that over 170 samples have been collected statewide for quality verification. Significant collections include 40 samples from Udham Singh Nagar, 39 from Haridwar, and smaller batches from Haldwani, Kotdwar, Almora, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi.
The seized samples contained active ingredients such as Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylepherine Hydrochloride, prompting rigorous scrutiny.
In related enforcement actions, stock of the syrup named 'Respifresh TR' was seized in Kotdwar (Pauri district) and Chaukhutia (Almora). This particular syrup had previously been declared of Non-Suitable Quality (NSQ).
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued a stern warning: "There will be absolutely no compromise when it comes to the health of our children."
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat appealed directly to the public: "We urge every citizen not to purchase any medication, especially syrups, from any medical store without a valid doctor's prescription."
