Child deaths trigger move to end unlicensed cough syrup sales in villages

India’s apex drug regulator is preparing to tighten rural drug sales by revoking the “household remedy” exemption for cough syrups in villages and remote areas, according to three government officials and a document reviewed by Mint.

- Priyanka Sharma

This assumes significance as India confronts recurring child deaths from toxic cough syrups, highlighting weak traceability, rural drug retail and quality oversight. At least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan died from use of contaminated cough syrups earlier this year.

Stripping cough syrups of “household remedy” status— this allows non-pharmacy outlets in small communities to sell certain common medicines without a formal drug licence—seeks to plug a regulatory gap that allows any retailer to sell such drugs without oversight.