SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 10: Dr. Sidharth Sanyal, Director-in-Chief of Health Services, Jharkhand, has issued an advisory to all health centres across the state regarding the rational use of cough syrup in children.
The advisory has been sent to the Director of RIMS, Ranchi, the superintendents and principals of all five medical colleges, Itki Arogyashala Ranchi, and SSLNT Hospital Dhanbad. Dr. Sanyal stated that cough syrup is generally not medically recommended for children below five years of age.
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According to the advisory, cold and cough in children below two years of age usually resolve on their own and do not require medical intervention. “As per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health, doctors are advised not to prescribe cough syrup to such children,” Dr. Sanyal said.
Dr. Sanyal further advised doctors and medical institutions to treat children with utmost care and avoid prescribing multiple medicines simultaneously. He also urged the launch of public awareness campaigns to educate parents on proper child care and the unnecessary use of cough syrup in young children.
The advisory aims to prevent misuse of cough syrup and promote safer treatment practices for children.