'No doctor prescription, no cough syrup': Modi government restricts over the counter sale after multiple deaths
Modi government moves to restrict over-the-counter sale of certain cough syrups, making a doctor's prescription mandatory after concerns linked to multiple deaths.
Cough syrup rules
New Delhi: In a significant health update for the residents of the country, the Union Health Ministry has amended the rules to remove "syrups for cough" from Schedule K. Notably, Schedule K contains the list of medicines exempted from the requirement of a prescription by a registered medical practitioner. Lozenges, pills or tablets for cough continue to remain on the list. In the recent development, the government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 (Fifth Amendment), removing an exemption to allowed the sale of cough syrups in small villages without compliance with certain retail licensing requirements.
What changes has Modi government made on cough syrup sale?
The amendment was notified through a notification and involves the omission of the word 'syrup' from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, according to the statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Schedule K provides exemptions from certain provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed under it for specified categories of drugs, it said.
How were cough syrups sold in India prior to this rule?
Before the amendment, the provision allowed cough syrups to be sold in villages with a population of less than 1,000 without requiring compliance with certain retail sale licensing norms. With the latest change, the exemption will no longer apply to cough syrups.
Now, the sale and dispensing of cough syrups in such villages will now have to be carried out only through duly licensed pharmacies in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945.
In addition, the Health Ministry said the amendment has been introduced to strengthen regulatory oversight of syrup formulations and align the exemption framework with current public health and safety requirements.
According to the ministry, the measure is expected to promote responsible distribution and sale of cough syrups while ensuring greater compliance with regulatory standards across the country.
Moreover, the ministry advised manufacturers, distributors and retailers dealing in cough syrups to ensure strict adherence to all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Drugs Rules.
(With inputs from agencies)
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