Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Several states in India have banned the Coldrif cough syrup after dozens of children fell victim to its harmful formulation. The government has urged rational use of cough syrups. Reports suggest that India-made syrups have caused deaths abroad as well, in countries like Gambia and Uzbekistan, due to contamination. Despite these tragedies, the demand for Indian cough syrups continues to grow domestically and internationally.
Indian cough syrup industry grows despite past incidents
The Indian cough syrup market has expanded significantly over the past years. According to Market Research Future, the domestic market was valued at 0.26 billion dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach 0.74 billion dollars by 2035. This growth represents a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 10 percent, indicating strong market confidence in cough syrup formulations despite previous controversies.
Tamil Nadu company behind defective Coldrif syrups
The defective Coldrif syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a Tamil Nadu-based company with over 35 years of experience. Incorporated around 1990, the firm has a long history in the pharmaceutical sector. The incident has raised questions about quality control and regulatory oversight in India’s expanding drug manufacturing industry.
Most popular cough syrups and leading companies
According to Apollo Pharmacy, the most widely sold cough syrups in India include Dabur Honitus Herbal Cough Syrup, Benadryl, Pankajakasthuri Cough Honey Syrup, Himalaya Koflet Syrup, Cofsils Naturals Cough Syrup, Hamdard Joshina, Torex, and Codistar DC Cough Syrup. Major companies like Dabur India, Patanjali Ayurved, and Abbott India are among the top sellers, showing a mix of herbal and chemical-based formulations dominating the market.
India’s pharma industry status and global presence
India is the third largest pharmaceutical market in the world by volume, valued at 50 billion dollars in FY 2023-24. The country exports more than half of its drug production, with exports worth 26.5 billion dollars last year. The US remains the largest buyer of Indian drugs, despite high import tariffs. The country is known as the “Pharmacy of the World” because of its position as a major supplier of affordable generic medicines globally.
Export projections and global trust in Indian drugs
The export of Indian-made medicines is projected to reach 130 billion dollars in the next ten years, more than five times the current levels. The world continues to buy Indian drugs because they are cost-effective. Producing similar medicines locally would be more expensive for importing countries, which sustains demand for India’s pharmaceutical products despite safety concerns in some formulations.
Pointers to summarize the story
1. Coldrif cough syrup banned in several states after child deaths.
2. Indian cough syrup industry projected to grow from $0.26 billion to $0.74 billion.
3. Sresan Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu manufactured the defective syrup.
4. Popular syrups include Dabur Honitus, Benadryl, Himalaya Koflet, and others.
5. India is the third largest pharmaceutical market by volume.
6. Exports worth $26.5 billion in FY24, US being the largest buyer.
7. Global demand continues due to low cost and affordability of Indian medicines.
