5-Year-Old Girl’s Life Lost After Cough Syrup Dose — Family Demands ‘Something Isn’t Right’

The tragic and sudden passing of a 5-year-old girl in Gujarat after she was given a common cold and cough syrup has raised concerns over pediatric medicine safety.

A five-year-old girl’s life was lost shortly after she was given a cough syrup for cold symptoms. While the investigation is still underway, her family insists more needs to be understood about what happened.

Who Was the Child and What Happened?

The little girl, named Dhyani Thakkar, lived with her grandparents. She was described by relatives as a cheerful child who was lovingly cared for. On the day of the incident, her uncle gave her a commonly sold cold and cough syrup bought from a medical store.

Soon after taking the medicine, her health began to get worse. Family members rushed her from one hospital to another, but she could not be saved. Before treatment could even begin at the final hospital, Dhyani’s health had deteriorated to a critical level. The doctors declared her condition beyond help.

Family’s Concerns and Call for Justice

When relatives began preparing for funeral rituals, Dhyani’s aunt raised serious doubts about the circumstances of her sudden health collapse. She immediately called the police and demanded a post-mortem examination, saying: “Something strange has happened to this child. We want answers and justice.”

She questioned whether the cough syrup was safe, of good quality, or incorrectly given. As a result, the case has now become part of a police inquiry, and authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report to understand the exact cause.

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Conflicting Family Views

Not all family members agreed about what happened. Dhyani’s grandmother rejected suggestions of a problem with the medicine, saying that the child was well cared for and that no one would intentionally harm her. She also hinted that some accusations might be connected to an old family dispute rather than the medical issue itself.

Why Cough Syrup Safety Is in the Spotlight Nationwide

In late 2025, several children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were reported to have fallen critically ill or died after consuming certain cough syrups. The government and health agencies connected these cases with possible medication problems and began detailed studies.

Some syrups were found to contain dangerous ingredients like diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical that can cause severe illness in children. This chemical is not allowed in medicines and can cause kidney failure and other life-threatening conditions.

Official warnings and bans were issued for specific products suspected of being contaminated, as authorities worked to keep other families safe.

Government and Health Advisory Responses

Due to these incidents, health authorities have given clear guidance on cough medicine use:

·       Cough and cold syrups should not be given to children under 2 years of age.

·       For children under 5, these medicines should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and only taken under medical supervision.

·       Most coughs in children improve on their own with rest, fluids, and proper care, and do not always need medicine.

·       These advisories aim to prevent future tragedies and promote safer use of medicines for children.

As the post-mortem and medical investigations in Gujarat continue, many families are watching closely. The truth behind what happened to Dhyani will hopefully bring clarity and justice, and serve as an important lesson for safer healthcare for children everywhere.