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The central government has issued an advisory to all states and union territories regarding cough syrups, directing them not to give cough and cold medicines to children under the age of two. This advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), comes amid reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh due to allegedly contaminated cough syrups. Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry found that none of the syrup samples tested in Madhya Pradesh contained diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG). These two ingredients can cause serious kidney damage. Caution should also be exercised for older people. The DGHS, which falls under the Ministry of Health, stated in its advisory that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under the age of five. It added that for older people, their use should be based on careful clinical evaluation, close monitoring, and strict adherence to appropriate dosage. The disease resolves on its own. Furthermore, the advisory issued by Dr. Sunita Sharma of the DGHS stated that people can be sensitized to adhere to doctors' prescriptions. It emphasized the judicious prescribing of cough syrups for children. It stated that acute coughs in children often resolve spontaneously and often resolve without medication. Sensitization of doctors and pharmacists is essential. The advisory urges all healthcare centers and diagnostic units to ensure the procurement and distribution of properly prepared products. It states, "To maintain these standards of care, it is essential to sensitize doctors and pharmacists, both in the public and private sectors." All State/Union Territory Health Departments, District Health Authorities, and Clinical Establishments/Healthcare Centers are requested to implement and disseminate this advisory to government dispensaries, primary health centers, community health centers, district hospitals, and medical institutions. Multiple Tests Conducted Earlier, the Health Ministry stated that a joint team comprising representatives from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), etc., conducted site visits to collect samples of various cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh. Several Children Die Due to Cough Syrup There have been reports of recent child deaths due to consumption of cough syrups. The Ministry stated, "According to the test results, none of the samples were found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), which can cause serious kidney damage." Confirmation of absence of DEG/EG The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG. Regarding reports of the deaths of two children in Rajasthan after consuming contaminated cough syrup, the Ministry clarified that the product in question does not contain propylene glycol, a potential source of DEG/EG contamination.