STATEWIDE QUALITY SURVEILLANCE INTENSIFIED AFTER CDSCO FINDS HARMFUL CHEMICAL IN SYRUPm, SAMPLING AND SEIZURE OF THE SUSPECTED BATCH EXPEDITED 

Face2News/Chandigarh 

After the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) detected a toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) in a cough syrup named Planokuf-D Syrup, Haryana has taken major steps to strengthen drug safety in the state. Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, Haryana Health Minister Ms. Arti Singh Rao has directed strict monitoring and quality checks across the state. 

According to the CDSCO report, one batch of the syrup (Batch No. R25053101) contained 0.35 percent of DEG, whereas the permissible limit should not exceed 0.1 percent. DEG is a highly poisonous substance that can cause severe toxicity, kidney failure, nervous system damage, and even death — with children being especially vulnerable. 

Following the report, State Drug Controller, Sh. Lalit Kumar Goel, issued a “Most Urgent” alert to all Drug Control Officers. They have been directed to immediately conduct sampling and testing of the concerned batch and ensure seizure of the stock wherever found. 

Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that any compromise with the health and safety of citizens will not be tolerated. She directed officers to take prompt action against any suspicious drugs and maintain strict surveillance over the entire supply chain. 

The Minister further directed the department to adopt a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy towards drug quality in the state and to take strict action against any negligence. 

State Drugs Controller, Dr. Lalit Kumar Goel informed that all allopathic and ayurvedic drug manufacturing units have been directed to mandatorily test every batch of Propylene Glycol (PG) — a chemical commonly used in syrups and liquid medicines — through Gas Chromatography Tests before use. 

He said that purchasing Propylene Glycol from unlicensed traders is strictly prohibited, and no medicine should be manufactured without a valid test report. Manufacturers have also been directed to regularly check the control samples of finished drugs. He stated that if DEG/EG is found in any retained control sample, the product must be immediately recalled. 

Why is this vigilance necessary? 

In recent years, several serious incidents have occurred in the country due to adulteration with chemicals like DEG. Such impurities can be fatal. Therefore, the Haryana Government is now implementing a strict and phased policy for drug safety. 

After the identification of the suspected syrup, the joint action by CDSCO and the Haryana Health Department has sent out a clear message that there will be no compromise on drug quality in the state. 

Following the directions of Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, Haryana has now emerged as one of the leading states in the country in drug quality monitoring.