As Health Ministry issues diktat on cough syrups, questions arise over OTC enforcement
‘Enforcement in smaller localities and towns could prove more difficult’
India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, making cough syrups, including lozenges, pills, and tablets, prescription-only. Hyderabad-based paediatrician Sivaranjani Santosh welcomed the move, citing concerns over overdoses, incorrect dosing, and indiscriminate use of cough-and-cold preparations that necessitate tighter controls.
However, doubts over the enforcement of this new rule emerged from pharmacists. Uday Kumar of Mor Chemists and Druggists expressed concerns that a blanket prescription requirement could not work in the long run, as consumers often desire immediate relief. Similarly, Neelesh Kanodia of Yash Agencies questioned the rule's sustainability, suggesting that restrictions on codeine-based cough syrups would likely continue.
The Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association quickly informed pharmacies about the new regulations, but acknowledged that enforcement might be challenging in smaller localities and towns.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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