Centre Tightens Rules on Cough Syrup Sales Across India

The Central Government has introduced stricter regulations on the sale of cough syrups and other medicinal syrups across the country. Under the revised provisions of the Drugs Rules, 1945, consumers will now be required to produce a valid doctor's prescription to purchase cough syrups and certain other liquid medications. The Health Ministry has removed these products from the Schedule K category, which previously allowed easier access through retail pharmacies.

The decision was taken after consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board and comes in the wake of serious concerns regarding the safety of substandard cough syrups. Last year, more than 20 children reportedly lost their lives in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh after consuming contaminated cough syrup. Investigations found the presence of toxic Diethylene Glycol in the product, leading authorities to ban the syrup and strengthen regulatory controls to prevent similar incidents in the future.