Chennai, Oct. 10 -- Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Senthil Kumar expressed concern on Friday over the recent deaths linked to the consumption of cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, stating that the state government has strengthened its monitoring mechanism for pharmaceutical companies, including Kanchipuram-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals. He added that for earlier lapses, necessary action had already been taken against the firm.

The Health Secretary's statement came after Madhya Pradesh Police arrested the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals from Tamil Nadu, in connection with the deaths of 20 children in the state, allegedly caused by the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by the company.

Speaking to reporters, Senthil Kumar said that i...