Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: In a crucial step to safeguard child health, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, warning against the routine use of cough syrups for children below five years of age.

The advisory emphasizes that most cough and cold illnesses in young children are self-limiting and usually recover without the need for medication. It specifically cautions that cough and cold syrups should never be prescribed for children under two years, and are not recommended for those under five years. For older children, doctors have been asked to exercise utmost caution, assess each case carefully, and ensure strict dosage monitoring.

The ministry has recommended non-medical management as the preferred approach, encouraging adequate hydration, proper rest, and supportive care instead of relying on medicines. It has also reminded healthcare workers to educate parents on these safer alternatives.

All paediatric care providers, across both government and private healthcare institutions, have been instructed to comply with these guidelines. The ministry further appealed to parents and caregivers to follow medical advice strictly, stressing that responsible care is vital to protect children from unnecessary medication-related risks.

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