Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : October 4, 2025 4:21 PM IST
Counterfeit or falsified medicine is a concerning issue that healthcare providers face when treating patients. There have been many incidents which have occurred recently with many succumbing to death related to falsified medicine. In a recent incident reported by a news agency, at least 11 children lost their lives due to counterfeit cough syrup in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Pawan Nandurkar, associate professor and Head of Paediatrics, told a leading media outlet, "Recently, reports indicated that 7 of our children had died, but now it appears the number has increased to 9... The deaths and the kidney injury case are linked to the cough syrup called Coldrif, which everyone is blaming. However, investigations are still ongoing, and it's possible that the kidney injury was caused by something else altogether..."
"The team collected samples of all items and sent them for testing. The reports are still pending. Samples of the syrup suspected of causing the deaths have also been collected and sent for analysis. The complete extent of its responsibility will become clear once the report is received... The district administration has currently prohibited the sale of Coldrif and Nesto DS cough syrups until their test reports are received," Dr. Nandurkar added.
Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh: On deaths of 6 children in one month in the district, Dr Pawan Nandurkar, Associate Professor and Head of Paediatrics, says, "Recently, reports indicated that 7 of our children had died, but now it appears the number has increased to 9... The deaths pic.twitter.com/2nIu1yr4Xd
ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025
Here are some tips and tricks to spot falsified medicine as recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Some of the most counterfeited drugs include antibiotics, cancer treatments, weight loss and erectile dysfunction drugs and painkillers.
Not all online pharmacies are safe. Always check if the pharmacy is licensed, has a physical address, and requires a prescription
