Centre proposes tighter curbs on advertising of prescription drugs
Under the existing framework, pharmaceutical manufacturers are prohibited from advertising drugs covered under these schedules without prior government approval. However, the corresponding restriction does not explicitly cover entities involved in the retail and wholesale sale and distribution of medicines
The Union Health Ministry in India has proposed extending restrictions on advertising of prescription medicines to drug retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, aiming to close a regulatory gap in the Drugs Rules of 1945. The draft amendment, notified through Gazette notification G.S.R. 861(E) on September 28, proposes inserting a new sub-rule under Rule 65 to prohibit holders of licences to sell, stock, exhibit, offer for sale, or distribute drugs listed under Schedules H, H1, and X from advertising these medicines without prior sanction from the Central government.
This move seeks to strengthen oversight of the promotion of prescription medicines, reduce the risk of inappropriate self-medication, and address concerns over patient safety and misuse of prescription drugs. The amendment follows recommendations made at the 93rd meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) in February 2026.
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