After 11 child deaths, DGHS warns: 'Cough syrup unsafe for children under 2, risky below 5'

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued an advice on the use of cough syrup on Friday, saying it is “unsafe for children under the age of 2 years” and “risky” for children under the age of 5. The advice comes after the death of 11 children due to the intake of infected cough syrup. “Cough and cold medication should not be prescribed or released to children under 2 years. It is usually not recommended for ages under 5 years and above that any use should follow a careful clinical evaluation with careful supervision and strict attachment to appropriate dosage, the shortest effective duration and the avoidance of various medicine combinations.