New Delhi, Oct 3 (JKNS): The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued a nationwide advisory to all States and Union Territories, urging strict rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population to prevent overuse and ensure child safety.
In an official communication Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), as per news agency JKNS emphasized that most cough-related illnesses in children are self-limiting and do not require medication.
The advisory clearly states, Cough and cold syrups must not be prescribed or dispensed to children below 2 years of age.
Such medications are generally discouraged for children under 5 years, and even in older children, should be used only after proper clinical evaluation, in minimal dosage and for the shortest duration possible.
The Health Ministry has also asked States to sensitize the public on adhering strictly to doctor’s prescriptions instead of self-medicating children.
Further, the advisory stresses:
Non-pharmacological measures like adequate hydration, rest and supportive care should be prioritised as first-line treatment.
Only products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with pharmaceutical-grade excipients must be procured and dispensed across all health centres.
All State and District Health Authorities, including PHCs, CHCs, government dispensaries, district hospitals, and medical colleges, have been directed to circulate and enforce the advisory immediately.
The move comes amid growing global scrutiny of substandard paediatric syrups and concerns over misuse of OTC cough preparations in children. (JKNS)
