Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised significant concern regarding recent reports of pediatric deaths in India, which appear to be linked to the consumption of certain oral syrup medicines. These tragic events have been primarily reported in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with the deaths occurring around the week of September 29, 2025.
WHO is closely monitoring the situation, following media reports that describe symptoms consistent with acute renal failure and acute encephalitis syndrome in children. These symptoms have been suspected to be related to the use of contaminated cough syrups. In response, WHO has reached out to India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for clarification regarding the potential links between these products and the deaths, as well as whether these medicines may have been exported to other countries.
On October 1, 2025, the WHO formally contacted the CDSCO to inquire about the contamination of the medicines and whether they had been distributed internationally. WHO expressed its readiness to support Indian authorities in the investigation, as well as in responding to these tragic incidents.
On October 8, 2025, WHO received confirmation from the CDSCO that Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance, had been detected in at least three oral syrup medicines. These syrups were among the products consumed by the children who fell ill and tragically died. WHO has been informed that these contaminated medicines were not exported outside India, alleviating concerns about a wider international public health risk.
The CDSCO assured WHO that the affected products had been recalled, and the manufacturers involved had been ordered to cease production of the contaminated syrups. However, the WHO has emphasized the importance of addressing the potential gaps in regulatory screening for Diethylene Glycol (DEG) contamination in medicines, particularly those intended for children. They also noted the need to identify and remove any other contaminated pharmaceutical materials that may still be in circulation.
This situation has drawn attention to the potential risks posed by contaminated medical products, especially when such products are distributed through unregulated channels. WHO has expressed its deep concern about the regulatory gaps in India and is urging the Indian authorities to enhance their monitoring systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The WHO recognizes the severity of these incidents and has reiterated its commitment to supporting India in investigating and addressing the problem. The organization stands ready to assist national authorities in any way necessary to ensure the safety of public health and to prevent any further harm from contaminated products.
As investigations continue, WHO’s role in supporting India’s efforts to safeguard public health remains a critical component in responding to this tragic health crisis.
