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Govt Tightens Rules on Cough Syrup Sales in Rural Areas
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Drugs Rules, Fifth Amendment, mandating a doctor's prescription for all Syrups and ending over-the-counter sales.
Officials stated the decision follows past incidents where contaminated Cough syrups allegedly caused deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulatory oversight.
The Central Government issued this notification after reviewing public feedback on a draft proposal, exercising powers under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Consumers must now present a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner to purchase Syrups, while Chemists violating these updated Rules may face disciplinary action.
By tightening these regulations, the Govt seeks to ensure safer consumption of medicines and encourage responsible medical supervision, marking a shift from previous Drugs Rules.
The Union Health Ministry has issued a new notification making all types of syrups, including cough syrups, unavailable without a prescription. This step comes after cases of child deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.