Health Ministry Proposes Tighter Curbs on Advertising of Prescription Medicines

October 9, 2026 12:53 PM

Health Ministry Proposes Tighter Curbs on Advertising of Prescription Medicines

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed stricter regulations on the advertising of prescription medicines by extending existing restrictions to retailers, wholesalers and distributors.   The proposed amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, seeks to make prior approval of the Central Government mandatory for advertisements relating to medicines listed under Schedule H, Schedule H1 and Schedule X.   The draft amendment has been notified through Gazette Notification G.S.R. 86...

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 ...