*”Health Secretary Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah Takes Bold Step Towards Safer Pediatric Care”*

Srinagar, October 6, NSR:

The Health Department in Jammu and Kashmir, under the stewardship of Secretary Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, has issued a directive to promote rational medication use in children, emphasizing the need to avoid cough and cold medicines for children below 2 years of age. This decision follows a recent advisory from the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, aiming to ensure patient safety in pediatric care.

The directive comes after reports of child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Although tests conducted on samples did not reveal the presence of toxic contaminants like Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), the Health Department has taken a cautious approach to safeguard the health of children.

Dr. Shah emphasized the urgent need to promote rational drug use and ensure patient safety in pediatric care across Jammu and Kashmir. He directed all medical professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities to strictly comply with national guidelines and best practices.

The Health Department has instructed pharmaceutical manufacturers in J&K to adhere strictly to WHO-GMP standards, carry out complete impurity profiling as per the latest pharmacopeial standards. Drugs Control Officers have been asked to sensitize chemists and pharmacists against the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of cough and cold syrups without proper prescription and to conduct regular sampling and testing of such products under Section 23 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, to ensure their safety and quality.

The general public is strongly advised to refrain from self-medicating children and to always consult Doctors/Pediatricians, before administering any cough or cold syrup to them. Secretary further directed all field officers and medical institutions to ensure strict enforcement of these guidelines across the Union Territory to protect child health, prevent misuse of medications, and promote rational and evidence-based pediatric care.

This initiative aims to promote evidence-based pediatric care and protect child health in Jammu and Kashmir.