The Rajasthan Health Department has issued a clarification regarding the recent deaths of two children reported from Bharatpur and Sikar districts. According to officials, the deaths were not caused by the cough syrup provided under the state’s free medicine scheme, as some reports had suggested earlier.

Public Health Director Ravi Prakash Sharma stated that inquiry reports confirmed an important detail: the cough syrup was given to the children at home without consulting any doctor. In both cases, the medicine was administered at the family’s own decision, not on medical advice.

Officials further explained that the syrup contained Dextromethorphan (DXM), a drug that is not recommended for children as per medical protocol. Sharma clearly stated that no doctor had prescribed this medicine in either of the two reported cases.

What was the case

Earlier, Health Minister Gajendra Singh had ordered an investigation after concerns were raised about the quality of cough syrup supplied through government channels. Taking swift action, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) immediately stopped the supply of the syrup, formed a three-member inquiry committee, and sent samples to the state drug laboratory for testing.

However, during the investigation, another case emerged from Sikar where a child was mistakenly given a cough syrup containing DXM by a doctor. In this case, the department confirmed that the medicine was wrongly prescribed. As a result, suspension proceedings have been started against both the doctor and the pharmacist involved, as they violated standard medical guidelines.

To avoid such incidents in the future, the Health Department has issued a strict advisory to all doctors. They have been instructed to follow prescription rules carefully and ensure that no medicine is given without proper documentation. The department has also appealed to the public to never give medicines to children without a doctor’s consultation, even if the medicine is easily available at home.

The government has assured that patient safety is the top priority, and all necessary steps are being taken to prevent the misuse of medicines across the state.