Kerala : Health Minister Veena George issued a strict warning that children under 12 should not be given any medicines without a valid doctor’s prescription, highlighting the dangers of incorrect dosing and misuse. The state will issue special guidelines on the use of cough medicines for children, following recommendations from an expert committee.
A three-member committee, including the State Drugs Controller, Child Health Nodal Officer, and the State President of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), has been tasked with studying the issue and submitting an urgent report. “Even old prescriptions should not be used to give medicines to children.
Dosages are based on weight, and giving medicine prescribed for one child to another can cause harm,” the minister said. The Drugs Controller has been instructed to strengthen awareness campaigns for parents and the public.
A high-level meeting chaired by the minister confirmed that no adverse incidents involving cough syrup in children have been reported in Kerala. The government will continue public education efforts and direct the Drugs Controller to investigate any reported cases.
With cooperation from the IAP, paediatricians and other doctors will also receive training on safe prescription practices. The announcement follows inspections conducted by the State Drugs Control Department.
The sale of Coldrif syrup (SR 13 batch) has been suspended in Kerala after issues were reported in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry. Another cough syrup batch was also found problematic in Rajasthan.
Officials confirmed that these batches were not distributed or sold in Kerala, and all distribution through the eight local distributors has been halted. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Health Department and the IAP President.
Minister Veena George said the state is committed to ensuring children’s safety while providing clear guidance to doctors and parents on the responsible use of medicines.