Madhya Pradesh Cough Syrup Tragedy: Four-Year-Old Child Death Months After Coma at AIIMS Nagpur

In a tragic development linked to the suspected cough syrup contamination case in Madhya Pradesh, a four-year-old boy died at AIIMS Nagpur, months after slipping into a coma following the alleged consumption of Coldrif cough syrup. The child passed away on Monday (February 2, 2026), officials confirmed.

Betul Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Manoj Hurmade said the child had been undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, after his condition deteriorated late last year. “The child had been in a coma for several months. A post-mortem examination was conducted in Nagpur, and the body has been handed over to the family,” Dr. Hurmade said.

According to officials, the boy fell critically ill after allegedly consuming Coldrif cough syrup in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. He was initially treated at local healthcare facilities before being referred to AIIMS Nagpur due to the severity of his condition. Despite prolonged medical care, doctors were unable to revive him.

The death has once again brought attention to the cough syrup-related health scare in the region, which had earlier prompted the state health department to launch an investigation into the manufacturing, distribution and quality of the medicine. Samples of the suspected cough syrup were sent for laboratory testing, and authorities had ordered checks on medical stores and supply chains.

State health officials said the findings of the post-mortem examination and forensic analysis will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death and establishing a direct link, if any, between the cough syrup and the child’s illness.

The incident has caused distress among local residents and renewed calls for strict regulation and monitoring of pharmaceutical products, especially medicines meant for children. Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against those responsible if negligence or contamination is confirmed.

Further investigation in the case is ongoing.