In late 2025, multiple children in Rajasthan died after consuming allegedly contaminated cough syrup manufactured by Kessens Pharma. Families reported that symptoms worsened rapidly after administering the medicine, yet the response from authorities was marked by denial and deflection.
Instead of immediate FIRs and transparent investigation, families were issued “unnatural death” certificates. In some cases, medical professionals allegedly suspected the medicine early on but did not communicate this to parents. Attempts by families to submit complaints were reportedly refused.
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Public Health & Legal Aid•Parivartan Impact
The Cough Syrup Deaths Case
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Team Parivartan|2026Timeline of Action
Visiting affected families across districts
Documenting timelines, prescriptions, and medical responses
Supporting press conferences to bring public visibility
Filing RTIs and representations to health and police authorities
Facilitating legal support through High Court advocates
The Outcome
Public meetings in Bharatpur exposed a troubling pattern: the burden of blame was shifted onto grieving parents while pharmaceutical accountability was avoided.
The movement demands:
• Immediate FIRs and arrests of responsible parties
• Independent investigation into drug manufacturing and approvals
• Accountability of health officials who failed to act
• Compensation and justice for affected families
This case underscores a systemic failure where poor families suffer silently unless collective pressure forces the truth into public view.
Media Highlights
