The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification requiring a doctor's prescription for cough syrups and other syrup medicines, effectively removing them from over-the-counter availability. The decision, reported by news agency ANI, stems from an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945.
Amendment Details
Under the amendment, the word 'Syrups' has been removed from item number (7) under serial number 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This change was formalized through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on June 9.
Background Process
The amendment follows a draft notification issued on December 29, 2025, which invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public. The government confirmed that all comments received on the draft were considered before issuing the final notification.
The notification states: 'Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 12 and 33 of the said Act, the Central Government, after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, namely.'
It further reads: 'In the Drugs Rules, 1945, in Schedule K, in the column, under the heading Class of Drugs, against serial number 13, in item number (7), the word 'Syrups,' shall be omitted.'
This regulatory change aims to curb misuse of syrup-based medications and ensure they are used under medical supervision.
