Hubballi, Karnataka – october 6, 2025 – KMC-RI Hospital in Hubballi has ceased prescribing cough syrup to children under the age of two as a precautionary measure, following reports of child fatalities linked to cough syrup consumption in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Hospital administration has directed pediatricians to refrain from prescribing or administering any cough syrup to patients in this age group “under any circumstances,” according to KMC-RI Medical Superintendent Dr. Eshwar Hasabi. “We have not recorded any cases in our hospital where children developed complications due to cough syrup consumption. But as a precaution, we have stopped giving syrup to kids below two years. Pediatricians have been directed to prescribe only tablets,” Dr. Hasabi stated.
The move comes amid growing public concern. A pediatrician noted that parents are increasingly requesting tablets instead of syrups for their children, and even adults are showing hesitancy towards syrups. ”Parents bringing children suffering from cold,fever,and cough to city clinics,private or government hospitals are requesting doctors to prescribe tablets only. Even adults are hesitant to consume syrups. Incidents in Rajasthan and MP have created fear among them. The government should take steps to create awareness,” the pediatrician said.
While the District Health Officer S N Honakeri confirmed the health department has not issued a formal order regarding cough syrup prescriptions, he acknowledged that some hospitals have voluntarily implemented the ban.
Sanjay Mudgal, drug controller of Dharwad, stated that Coldrif syrup – the specific product reportedly linked to the deaths – is not currently supplied to government hospitals in Karnataka. Inspections of private pharmacies have confirmed its unavailability, with instructions issued to prevent its sale should it be discovered.
