Centre tightens regulation of cough syrup sales, withdraws exemption for small villages

June 16, 2026 4:43 PM

Centre tightens regulation of cough syrup sales, withdraws exemption for small villages

In a move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring safer distribution of medicines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, withdrawing a long-standing exemption that allowed the sale of cough syrups in small villages without compliance with certain retail licensing requirements. The amendment, notified through Gazette Notification G.S.R. 927(E) dated December 29, 2025, removes the word "Syrup" from Schedule K, Serial No. 13, Entry 7 ...

No contaminants found in cough syrup samples linked to child deaths; DGHS issues advisory on paediatric use

October 3, 2025 6:14 PM

No contaminants found in cough syrup samples linked to child deaths; DGHS issues advisory on paediatric use

In view of the recent reports suggesting that child deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to consumption of cough syrups, a joint team consisting of representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), etc visited the site. Various samples were collected in coordination with the State Authorities including samples of various cough syrups. As per the test results, none of the samples contained D...