The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has formally requested Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda’s immediate intervention regarding the arrest of a pediatrician in Madhya Pradesh, following tragic child deaths linked to a contaminated cough syrup. The association emphasized that the primary fault lies with the manufacturer’s quality control failures and subsequent regulatory oversight lapses, not with the prescribing physician.
In a letter dated October 8th, IMA National President Dr. Dilip Bhanushali stated that holding the pediatrician liable is an act of ‘legal illiteracy’ and sends a negative message to the medical community. The IMA stressed that doctors prescribe medications in good faith, relying on official approvals and the integrity of the supply chain. They lack the capacity to detect hidden manufacturing defects or toxic contaminants like Diethylene Glycol or Ethylene Glycol.
The IMA argued that criminalizing a prescription made in good faith unfairly victimizes professionals and could lead to defensive medicine, potentially harming patients by making doctors reluctant to prescribe affordable generic drugs. The association also highlighted that the arrest did not follow the Supreme Court’s laid-down procedures for arresting medical practitioners.
To prevent future tragedies, the IMA proposed five systemic reforms: strengthening regulatory manpower and infrastructure, mandating contaminant testing, establishing a robust drug recall policy, enhancing pharmacovigilance, and implementing risk-based inspections. The IMA is ready to collaborate with the Ministry to implement these crucial changes to ensure patient safety and a credible regulatory system.
