A young survivor of the toxic Coldrif cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has returned home after 116 days of hospitalisation as reported by TOI but with permanent loss of eyesight and ongoing mobility challenges, according to family account. The incident has brought into sharp focus the severe health consequences of contaminated pharmaceutical products administered to children.
Five-year-old Kunal Yaduvanshi, son of Tikku Yaduvanshi, was admitted to hospital after consuming a batch of Coldrif cough syrup that was later found to contain high levels of toxic diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent harmful to kidney. The syrup has been linked to more than 20 child deaths and serious illnesses across Chhindwara and Betul districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Kunal’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to extended treatment across multiple facilities, including a prolonged stay at AIIMS Nagpur, where intensive care, including dialysis and supportive neurological care was provided over more than three months.
Although he ultimately survived and was discharged, Kunal lost his vision and remains unable to walk properly due to the neurological side effects. Doctors have not yet determined if his eyesight will ever return, and he continues to require continuous care at home.
For the Yaduvanshi family, the financial and emotional cost has been substantial:
Father out of work: Tikku, a former private finance company employee, has not gone to work or received a salary for months due to caregiving responsibilities.
Debt and asset sales: He defaulted on housing loan EMIs, sold cattle, and mortgaged his wife’s jewellery to cover treatment and living costs during the hospital stay.
Ongoing caregiving needs: With Kunal requiring constant attention, Tikku is unable to leave his child alone even briefly.
Financial assistance pledged by the state government is expected to hardly cover the debts, treatment costs and other expenses.
The Coldrif cough syrup tragedy has been linked to a contaminated medicine batch containing approximately 48.6% diethylene glycol, significantly above safe limits causing acute kidney injury, multi-organ dysfunction and death in many children. Diethylene glycol is toxic to human organs and can lead to renal failure and neurological damage, particularly in young children.
While government assurances include medical cost support and regulatory action, families like the Yaduvanshis face ongoing challenges related to care, rehabilitation access and financial stability. Continued monitoring by authorities and broader safety measures for drug distribution are under review as part of nationwide efforts to prevent similar tragedies. These cases highlight the importance of robust pharmaceutical quality control and regulatory oversight to prevent toxic exposures, especially in pediatric populations.
(Rh/TL)