By TOI TECH DESK
Copyright indiatimes
At least 11 children have died after reportedly consuming counterfeit cough syrup in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. According to news agency ANI, so far, nine deaths have been reported in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh and in Rajasthan, two children have died—one in Bharatpur and another in Sikar. Dr Pawan Nandurkar, associate professor and Head of Paediatrics, told TOI, “Recently, reports indicated that 7 of our children had died, but now it appears the number has increased to 9,” He added, “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 district administration has currently prohibited the sale of Coldrif and Nesto DS cough syrups until their test reports are received.How to identify fake medicinesIt is not clear if the medicines were fake as the tests reports are still to come. In January 2022, the government of India Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended providing that every Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (bulk drug) manufactured or imported in India shall bear ‘Quick Response Code’ on its label at each level of packaging that store data or information readable with software application to facilitate tracking and tracing. The stored data or information shall include the minimum particulars including Unique product identification code, Batch No, MFG date, Exp. Date etc. These rules have already been effective January 1, 2024.Here’s the process for verifying the authenticity of the Drugs by reading the Bar Code or Quick Response Code as per the information on Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) that comes under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.To check the authenticity of drugs using bar/QR code, follow the steps belowStep 1: Check the label of the Drug for Bar Code/Quick Response (QR) Code. It can be found on either the primary or secondary label of the drug.Step 2: Next, scan the bar code or quick response code using your smartphoneStep 3: Scanning the QR/bar code will open a link that will take you to the webpage with product information. One can also check the authenticity/genuineness of the drug/medicine.
