Doctor’s Wife Arrested in Madhya Pradesh Cough Syrup Deaths — Took 27% Commission

In a bombshell revelation, the wife of a doctor accused of prescribing lethal cough syrup tied to 30+ deaths in Madhya Pradesh has been arrested for allegedly accepting 27% commissions from pharmaceutical companies. The arrest exposes deep corruption in India’s medical supply chain and sparks outrage over unethical healthcare practices.

The Deadly Cough Syrup Incident

Dozens of patients in Ujjain district, MP, were hospitalized after consuming a toxic cough syrup prescribed by Dr. Rakesh Gupta (name changed). Tests revealed the syrup contained diethylene glycol—a toxic industrial solvent—instead of safe propylene glycol. Over 30 patients, including children, died from kidney failure, prompting nationwide scrutiny.

While Dr. Gupta was questioned, investigators shifted focus to his wife, Priya Gupta (name changed), after uncovering financial irregularities. Authorities allege she took kickbacks from pharma firms in exchange for her husband pushing their drugs, including the deadly syrup.

How the 27% Commission Scam Worked

The Madhya Pradesh FDA (MPFDA) found Priya Gupta acted as a middlewoman between pharma companies and doctors. Raids uncovered documents showing she:
– Took 27% commissions per bottle of the toxic syrup sold.
– Funneled money through shell companies to hide transactions.

A senior MPFDA official stated: “This was a criminal conspiracy—doctors were bribed to prescribe unsafe drugs for profit.”

Larger Pharma-Doctor Corruption Network

The arrest hints at a widespread kickback network involving:
– Pharmaceutical companies offering bribes.
– Doctors prescribing unethically for commissions.
– Distributors turning a blind eye.

A CBI source warned: “This is just the tip of the iceberg—we’re tracking crores in illegal payments.”

Public Fury and Demands for Reform

The tragedy has reignited demands for:
1. Stricter drug testing (mandatory third-party checks).
2. Transparency (public registry of doctor-pharma ties).
3. Harsher punishments (life sentences for lethal drug suppliers).

Government Actions So Far

• MP suspended licenses of 3 pharma firms tied to the case.
• New national guidelines issued for testing syrups.

Critics argue reforms are too slow: “We need systemic change, not just reactions after deaths,” said medical ethics expert Dr. Amar Jesani.

Conclusion: A Healthcare System in Crisis

This case highlights how greed and corruption are costing lives. Without urgent reforms, trust in India’s medical system will keep eroding.

Follow [Your News Outlet] for real-time updates.