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 Coldrif – A four-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh has died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur, several months after he reportedly slipped into a coma linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, officials confirmed on Monday.

The child, identified as Harsh, was from Tikabarri village in Betul district. He had been receiving critical care at the hospital’s intensive care unit since September–October last year. Despite prolonged treatment, he passed away on Sunday night while still under medical supervision.

Child Under Treatment for Several Months

According to district health officials, Harsh had been in a comatose state for months following the alleged intake of the cough syrup. His condition remained fragile throughout his hospital stay, requiring continuous monitoring and life-support measures.

Betul Chief Medical and Health Officer Manoj Hurmade confirmed the death and said that a post-mortem examination was conducted in Nagpur on Monday to establish medical details related to the cause of death. The findings are expected to support ongoing investigations into the broader incident.

Earlier Cases Raised Alarm in Multiple Districts

The boy’s case is linked to a larger public health crisis that surfaced in September and October last year. During that period, several children from Betul and neighboring Chhindwara district fell seriously ill after being administered Coldrif cough syrup.

Affected children reportedly developed severe symptoms, including persistent vomiting, high fever, and an inability to urinate. Many were rushed to hospitals in critical condition, prompting concern among families and healthcare authorities.

Death Toll Reached Two Dozen Children

Health department records indicate that at least 24 children died during the initial outbreak. The sudden rise in pediatric cases triggered emergency responses from district administrations and led to a wider review of medicines being distributed and prescribed in the region.

As the number of deaths grew, state and central authorities ordered laboratory testing of the cough syrup to determine whether contamination or manufacturing defects were involved.

Toxic Substance Found in Syrup Samples

Subsequent investigations revealed that the cough syrup contained diethylene glycol, a highly toxic industrial chemical. Medical experts have long warned that ingestion of this substance can cause acute kidney failure, neurological damage, and, in severe cases, death.

A sample of the syrup tested at a government drug testing laboratory in Chennai was declared “Not of Standard Quality” by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drug Control. The laboratory findings confirmed the presence of dangerous levels of the chemical.

Manufacturing Firm and Officials Face Action

An official report dated October 2 stated that the Coldrif syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The report found that the syrup contained 48.8 percent diethylene glycol, making it unfit and unsafe for human consumption.

Following these findings, the Drug Controller General of India initiated a detailed probe into the manufacturing and distribution process. Law enforcement agencies arrested the owner of the pharmaceutical company, along with a government doctor who allegedly recommended the syrup for pediatric use.

State Government Imposed Immediate Ban

In response to the deaths and laboratory results, the Madhya Pradesh government imposed a statewide ban on the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup in October last year. Health authorities also issued advisories to medical professionals and pharmacists to ensure stricter checks on prescribed medicines.

Officials have reiterated that investigations are ongoing and that accountability will be fixed based on evidence. The case has renewed calls for tighter regulation, improved drug testing, and greater vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.