Just hours after his arrest, Dr Praveen Soni, a paediatrician posted at Civil Hospital, Parasia in Chhindwara, was suspended by Madhya Pradesh authorities after 14 children died from consuming contaminated cough syrup.
According to a report by The Times of India, the suspension order issued by Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi on Sunday stated that Soni was found engaged in private practice, during which he prescribed medicines to infants brought to him for treatment.
Who is Dr Praveen Soni?
Dr Soni is a government paediatrician at Civil Hospital, Parasia, who was reportedly conducting private practice alongside his official duties.
“After consuming the prescribed medicines, several of these children developed high fever and difficulty in urination, following which some of them tragically died,” the order stated.
The report further said, “The inquiry into the matter revealed that Dr Soni prescribed medicines that adversely affected the kidneys of the infants, leading to their deaths. The findings make it clear that Dr Praveen Soni, while engaging in private practice, prescribed medicines to infants, and it was after consuming those medicines that the children developed severe fever, difficulty in passing urine, and ultimately suffered kidney failure resulting in death.”
It added, “If Dr Soni had properly examined the children, accurately diagnosed their condition, and provided appropriate treatment, their lives might have been saved. However, he failed to do so during his private practice. As a result, Dr Soni caused irreparable harm, tarnished the image of the department, and proved incapable of fulfilling his official duties and responsibilities.”
According to laboratory tests, the Coldrif syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a poisonous industrial chemical. The affected children, mostly under five, developed high fever and difficulty in urination after consuming the syrup.
Ten children later died at Nagpur’s Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), while six others are still undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications. The state government has banned Coldrif syrup and directed drug inspectors to seize all stocks from its Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
CM announces ₹4 lakh aid for kin of deceased, free treatment for affected children
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and coverage of treatment costs for affected children.
A case was registered against Soni and the manufacturer under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Authorities are conducting multi-state inspections of pharmaceutical units to trace accountability and prevent further tragedies.
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