Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 October 2025
In line with the Advisory issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of India, on the rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, convened a meeting with all concerned stakeholders on 7th October 2025. The meeting was held in reference to the directions of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), MoH&FW, and the subsequent circular issued by the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Islands.
The meeting aimed to strengthen regulatory vigilance and promote the safe and judicious use of cough syrups, especially among children. Representatives from the Health Department, Drug Control Administration, Medical Officers, Pharmacists, Private Clinics, and Private Chemist Associations participated in the session.
As per the DGHS advisory, cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years of age. These medications are generally not recommended for children under five years, and their use in older children must be guided by careful clinical evaluation and close supervision. The advisory further stresses strict adherence to proper dosing, the shortest effective duration, and avoidance of multiple drug combinations.
A detailed review was undertaken to assess the availability and distribution of cough syrups across Government and private health facilities, as well as retail drug outlets. Inspection teams will soon be deployed to monitor compliance at Government-aided facilities, private clinics, and pharmacies to ensure that the sale and use of cough syrups strictly follow national health guidelines.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all health facilities, private practitioners, and pharmacies to refrain from dispensing cough syrups without a valid doctor’s prescription. He also urged stakeholders to maintain strict vigilance, ensure the use of only approved and safe formulations for paediatric patients, and submit periodic inspection and compliance reports. Additionally, community-level awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the public on the importance of using cough syrups for children only after proper medical consultation.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all participants to safeguard child health through the rational and responsible use of medicines.
